Victims must be at the core of action to combat enforced disappearance, says Working Group

NEW YORK – Enforced disappearances have a ripple effect on the communities and societies where they take place due to the continuous nature of the crime, the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances warned today.

“Enforced disappearance is a crime with many victims,” the Working Group said. “It is not the victim of enforced disappearance alone who is victimised, but also the often-forgotten family members and loved ones, and, in certain circumstances, entire communities who suffer direct harm.”

Addressing the UN General Assembly, Gabriella Citroni, Chair-Rapporteur of the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, reported that since its inception in 1980, the Working Group has transmitted a total of 61,626 cases to 115 States. The number of cases under active consideration that have not yet been clarified, closed or discontinued stands at 48,619 in a total of 100 States.

“While the figures represent only the disappeared, they should be read bearing in mind that, behind each one, there are entire families and communities torn between hope and despair,” Citroni said.

“Despite the absolute and non-derogable prohibition of enforced disappearances and the obligation of States to prevent this crime and conduct an effective and speedy inquiry to establish the fate and whereabouts of persons, the practice still persists with impunity and cases increase with each passing day,” the Chair said.

In its annual activities report, the Working Group voiced serious concerns at the escalating number of cases it is recording in the context of armed conflicts.

“In certain countries, the reported cases during armed conflicts are suggestive of the existence of a widespread or systematic practice, which amounts to a crime against humanity,” the expert said.

The Working Group continued to study new modalities of enforced disappearance in the context of elections. The report notes that, in the context of elections, enforced disappearance is difficult to pinpoint and address, as it is often only one out of many forms of violence. Moreover, the disappeared often reappear after brief periods and therefore cases go unreported. Lastly, as with the case of enforced disappearance more broadly, which is committed with the direct or indirect involvement of the State, it creates a significant barrier to reporting and documentation, notably due to fear of reprisals.

“Enforced disappearance undermines the deepest values of any society committed to respect for the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms,” Citroni said.

She urged States to take immediate steps towards ensuring comprehensive implementation and enforcement of the absolute prohibition of enforced disappearance, in line with their obligations to prevent, investigate, prosecute and punish those responsible for such crimes, search for the disappeared, and provide adequate reparations for the harm suffered.

Gabriella Citroni will also hold a press conference at 13:30 EST today in Room S-237 of the UN Secretariat Building in New York.