International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances 2024 (30th August)

International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances 2024

The International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances is commemorated annually on August 30. This observance is dedicated to increasing awareness about the serious issue of enforced disappearance on a global scale. Enforced disappearance refers to the arrest, detention, abduction, or any form of deprivation of an individual’s liberty carried out by state agents or individuals/groups authorized, supported, or tolerated by the state. This is often followed by a deliberate refusal to acknowledge the person’s detention or provide information about their fate or location, to remove them from legal safeguards and protections.

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International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances Theme 2024

As of today, the official theme for the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, observed on August 30th, 2024, has not yet been announced by the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

What is Forced Disappearance

As outlined in the Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, established through General Assembly resolution 47/133 on December 18, 1992, enforced disappearance is characterized by the following elements:

“Persons are arrested, detained, or abducted against their will or otherwise subjected to a deprivation of their liberty by officials from various levels or branches of the government, or by organized groups or private individuals acting on behalf of, or with the support, direct or indirect, consent or acquiescence of the government. This is followed by a deliberate refusal to reveal the fate or whereabouts of the individuals concerned or a refusal to acknowledge the fact that they have been deprived of their liberty. As a result, these individuals are excluded from the protection of the law.”

Other Important Days in August 2024

History of International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances

On December 21, 2010, the United Nations General Assembly, through resolution 65/209, expressed its profound concern regarding the escalating occurrences of enforced or involuntary disappearances across various regions globally.

This included situations involving arrest, detention, and abduction, which when combined or amount to enforced disappearances, pose a grave concern.
The resolution also highlighted the increasing reports of harassment, mistreatment, and intimidation faced by witnesses of disappearances or the relatives of individuals who have gone missing.

Furthermore, the General Assembly warmly welcomed the adoption of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. In line with its commitment to addressing this critical issue, the Assembly designated August 30 as the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances. This annual observance commenced in 2011 and is intended to shed light on the plight of those affected by enforced disappearances and raise awareness about this serious violation of human rights.

Significance of International Day of the Victims of Forced Disappearances

The International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances is an international observance that is held on August 30 every year. It was established by the United Nations to raise awareness of the crime of enforced disappearance and to honor the victims and their families.

Enforced disappearance is the arrest, detention, abduction, or any other form of deprivation of liberty by agents of the State or by persons or groups of persons acting with the authorization, support, or acquiescence of the State, followed by a refusal to acknowledge the deprivation of liberty or to give information on the fate or whereabouts of the disappeared person, to remove them from the protection of the law for a prolonged period.

The International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances is a day to remember the victims of this crime and to call for justice for them and their families. It is also a day to raise awareness of the crime of enforced disappearance and to urge governments to take action to prevent it.

30th August 2024 Special Day

On August 30, 2024, the world observes the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances. This annual commemoration is a dedicated effort to raise global awareness about the grave issue of enforced disappearance. Enforced disappearance, involving actions like arrest, detention, or abduction by state agents or authorized groups, demands our attention. Let us unite in condemning such acts, advocating for justice, and ensuring the protection of individual liberties worldwide.

Shubham Mittal

Shubham Mittal is a renowned current affairs writer and expert in government exam preparation, inspiring readers with insightful articles and guiding aspirants with his expertise.

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