Related Resources

Nacht und Nebel Erlass - Night and Fog Decree view details >>

The 1992 Declaration for Protection of All People from Enforced Disappearence view details >>

The struggle against Enforced Disappearnce and the 2007 United Nations Convention view details >>

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Definition

In the past, enforced disappearances have been treated as a violation of multiple human rights, like the rights of freedom, life, physical integrity, security and fair legal process. Increasingly, however, the international community considers an enforced disappearance as a specific human rights violation. Read more>>

Characteristics

Enforced disappearances are easily confused with other ways in which people can go missing. Defining other forms of disappearances also helps to understand what constitutes the crime of enforced disappearances. Furthermore, the description of aspects like offenders and excuses complete the picture of this human rights violation. Read more>>

Consequences

The consequences of an enforced disappearance are not only of a psychological nature, but also material and social. Specially if it is the breadwinner that disappears, the other parent is obliged to provide for the family under the difficult circumstances. Socially in some countries a disappearance has also a high price - the relatives of disappeared persons are considered outcasts of the community. Read more>>

Victims and their rights

The crime of enforced disappearance creates different types of victims apart from the material victim. Relatives and friends, human rights defenders and the society as a whole suffer a violation in one or more of their rights. Also different groups of our society are or have been victims of this crime, like women or children. Rights of victims of enforced disappearances are described in the for the International Convention Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances. Read more>>