The Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances commends the decision of the State Parties to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance to extend the mandate of the Committee on Enforced Disappearances

20 December 2016 - The Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances congratulates States signatories to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance for extending the mandate of the Committee on Enforced Disappearances. The Conference of the States Parties took the decision on on 19 December 2016 following a review of the Committee’s work five years after the entry into force of the Convention.

The Working Group observed how the Committee has in its short, but productive, six years of existence contributed to the international community’s response to enforced disappearances and helped States to improve their policies in responding to this heinous crime.

It is of outmost importance that the Committee and the Working Group continue their close collaboration with a view to strengthen their efforts to prevent and eradicate enforced disappearances in accordance with their respective mandates.

The road towards eliminating this atrocious practice is long and winding.  Firm support for the Convention and the work of the Committee in monitoring its implementation is an important step that States can take in reaffirming their commitment to ending this practice.