August 30: International Day of Victims of enforced Disappearances
In 2010, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly designated August 30 as the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances to be commemorated annually to raise awareness and prevent it. Enforced Disappearances refer to the illegal abduction and detention of persons by state officials or security forces, armed groups or criminal organizations during conflict and non-conflict situations and the refusal to disclose their fate or whereabouts. In most cases, the victims of this crime are political activists, human rights defenders, journalists, family members or associates of individuals perceived as threats to those in power. They are frequently subjected to torture, inhumane treatment, and even extrajudicial execution.
The UN declared enforced disappearance a crime against humanity and adopted the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance in 2006 as a legal framework to give victims’ families the right to demand the truth about the disappearance of their loved ones. Other legal frameworks include the Committee on Enforced Disappearances (CED) and the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances (WGEID). The UN also provides technical assistance to states to enhance their capacity to implement legislation, strengthen institutions, train officials, and facilitate cooperation in preventing enforced disappearances. Through Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, the UN documents cases of enforced disappearances, sheds light on the phenomenon and works towards their prevention.
As Marist Brothers, we fight enforced disappearances of people from a human rights perspective. We advocate for the protection and respect of the inherent dignity and worth of every individual. Our work is grounded in the belief that every person has the right to life, liberty, and security, and that no one should be subjected to arbitrary detention, forced disappearance, or any form of human rights abuse. We work to raise awareness about various human rights situations, provide support to victims and their families and collaborate with other organizations and authorities to prevent and address them.
The Catholic Church strongly condemns the crime of enforced disappearance of people. Her stance against it is rooted in her commitment to human dignity, justice, and the pursuit of peace. She emphasizes the fundamental principle of the sanctity of life and the inherent worth of every human being. Through her teachings, documents, and statements, the Church advocates for the protection of human rights and the pursuit of justice. In particular, she emphasizes the importance of upholding the right to life and the prohibition of torture and inhuman treatment. She encourages countries to adopt legislation and establish mechanisms to prevent and investigate cases of enforced disappearances and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. The Church supports efforts to provide justice, truth, and reconciliation for the victims and their families. Furthermore, Pope Francis has consistently spoken out against enforced disappearances, describing them as “an outrage against humanity” and urging governments and authorities to bring an end to them.
Brother Francis Lukong – Secretariat of Solidarity