International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances” A Call for Justice and Solidarity.

International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances” A Call for Justice and Solidarity

Every year, on August 30, the world observes the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances. This day is not only a reminder of the countless individuals who have been forcibly taken away by state or state-backed forces, but also a call for solidarity with their families—families who live every day with the anguish of uncertainty, waiting for answers that never come.

The Silent Tragedy of Enforced Disappearances

Enforced disappearance is one of the gravest human rights violations. It strips a person not only of their freedom but also of their identity, dignity, and legal protection. Victims are often abducted, detained secretly, and denied communication with their loved ones. For families, the suffering is endless: uncertainty about the fate of their loved ones, social stigma, and psychological trauma.

This silent crime is not confined to one country. From Latin America to Asia, from Africa to Europe, enforced disappearances have been used as a tool of intimidation, silencing dissent, and crushing movements for justice. It is a crime that affects not only individuals but the very foundations of society and democracy.

International Efforts for Justice

The international community has recognized enforced disappearance as a crime against humanity. The United Nations International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (2006) is a landmark in this struggle. Organizations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have consistently campaigned to hold states accountable and to reunite families.

The UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances (WGEID), established in 1980, continues to investigate cases, pressure governments, and act as a bridge between victims’ families and the authorities. These global efforts highlight that enforced disappearance is not a domestic issue but a universal human rights crisis that demands collective action.

A Call to Action

Observing this day should not be limited to remembrance. It must inspire action. Governments must be held accountable, and legal reforms should ensure transparency in arrests, immediate access to legal counsel, and a ban on secret detentions. Civil society must continue to amplify the voices of the families, and international cooperation must be strengthened to end impunity.

We must remember: Every disappeared person is not just a statistic—they are fathers, mothers, children, and friends. Their absence tears communities apart, but our solidarity can give strength to the movement for truth and justice.

On this International Day, let us unite in one message: No more disappearances. No more silence. Justice and dignity for all.

Syed Ali Raza Naqvi Bukhari

Unity of Peace, Economic Reform, and Global Unity

Founder & Chairman of Tehreek Istehkam Pakistan, and the author of “Law of God” and “Social Democratic System.” Advocates for truth, social justice, and reform in all sectors of society.