Summary

Since its inception in 1980, the Working Group has transmitted a total of 58,606 cases to 109 States. The number of cases under active consideration that have not yet been clarified, closed or discontinued stands at 46,271 in a total of 92 States. During the reporting period, 205 cases were clarified. The present report reflects the activities of and communications and cases examined by the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances from 23 May 2019 to 15 May 2020.

A summary of the decisions on individual cases taken by the Working Group and communications transmitted to the States concerned during the reporting period is presented in section III.

During the period under review, the Working Group held two sessions: its 119th session, from 16 to 20 September 2019 (see A/HRC/WGEID/119/1), and its 120th session, from 10 to 14 February 2020 (see A/HRC/WGEID/120/1). Due to the travel restrictions imposed on account of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the Working Group decided to meet remotely by videoconference, from 11 to 15 May 2020, to partially fulfil the programme of activities of its 121st session (see A/HRC/WGEID/121/1). The reports on the sessions should be considered as complementary to the present report.