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Linking Solidarity

Linking Solidarity is one of the five programs that the organisation Aim for human rights works on. Linking Solidarity has been responsible for the development and maintenance of the Enforced Disappearances Information Exchange Center. The Linking Solidarity Programme originated from recommendations made by families of the disappeared who met during Amnesty International's worldwide campaign on enforced disappearances in 1992. A conference of families of disappeared persons' organisations held that year, demonstrated a clear need for a project to promote cooperation and links between these organisations. It also concluded that many of these organisations lacked instruments, specific information, knowledge and skills, as well as international attention.

In 1995, the Linking Solidarity project was started, housed at Aim for human rights (formerly HOM). Since then, Linking Solidarity has played a catalyst or instrumental role in the further development and support of an internationally expanding network of organisations of families of disappeared persons. Currently the programme is focusing on the development of stronger organisations of family members, stronger and new regional federations and effective cooperation between organisations of family members around the world.

Objective and strategies

The long-term objective of the programme is to contribute to the eradication of the phenomenon of enforced disappearance all over the world. For current victims and their families, the chief objective is to uncover the truth and to ensure justice. The Linking Solidarity programme contributes to these objectives by creating and strengthening solidarity and cooperation between organisations of families of disappeared persons worldwide.

Linking Solidarity fights against enforced disappearances by:

  1. Establishing and developing networks;
  2. Capacity enhancement;
  3. Cooperating with local organisations.

Establishment and development of networks

Linking Solidarity facilitates the establishment of new networks. It also supports the further development of existing networks of organisations of families of disappeared persons. Networks play a crucial role in the fight against enforced disappearances because:

  • networks serve to increase the exchange of information and ideas between interested parties.
  • organisations or individuals working within a network are more influential when they approach policymakers;
  • networks lead to more participation by organisations, and preclude hierarchical relationships;
  • networks enable partner organisations to break through their isolation;
  • the network can take action in many places at the same time, at the grassroots as well as at other levels;

Linking Solidarity has a long-standing history and experience in working in network environments. Inspired by FEDEFAM, the Latin American Federation of Associations of Relatives of Detained Disappeared, Linking Solidarity was present at the birth of the Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD) in 1998. Linking Solidarity has recently supported the setup of the Euro Mediterranean Federation (FEDEM).
At present contacts are being made with organisations in other parts of world (the Balkans, Central Asia and the Middle East) to investigate the need for partnership there.

Capacity enhancement

Linking Solidarity assists in enhancing the capacity of families' organisations and the networks in which they operate. In this way, Linking Solidarity encourages organisations to strengthen themselves to act in a more efficient and effective manner. Each year, capacity-building activities are organised, including training sessions, seminars and other forms of knowledge transfer at various levels. All activities are carefully prepared and designed to increase legal knowledge, improving organizational and management skills and dealing with the psycho-social consequences of disappearances.

Cooperation with local organisations

Linking Solidarity facilitates the exchange of information, and organises shared activities in the growing worldwide network of organisations of families of disappeared persons.

Policy influence is often the objective of shared activities. Linking Solidarity then joins with family organisations and other human rights NGOs in order to form a united front in lobbying activities for better legal protection or policy measures against disappearances.