Official Statement on the Occasion of the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances
30 Aug 2026
Today, the International Diplomatic Union joins the international community in observing the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly to bring the world’s attention to one of the gravest violations of human rights, to honour its victims and their families, and to strengthen the collective resolve of the international community to prevent this practice, combat impunity, and uphold the rule of law.
Enforced disappearance inflicts a singular and enduring cruelty. It removes a human being from the protection of the law, denying them every safeguard against arbitrary detention, torture, and death. And it condemns families to an anguish without end — years, sometimes generations, spent between hope and grief, denied the truth of a loved one’s fate, denied the ability to mourn, and often exposed themselves to intimidation, hardship, and reprisal for the simple act of searching. In this way, enforced disappearance claims not one victim, but many: the disappeared, their families, and the communities left to live in fear and silence.
Beyond its human toll, enforced disappearance corrodes the very foundations of society. A practice designed to operate outside the law inevitably destroys trust in the institutions of the state, undermines the administration of justice, and spreads insecurity far beyond its immediate victims. International law is unequivocal: no exceptional circumstances whatsoever — whether a state of war, internal political instability, or any other public emergency — may be invoked to justify enforced disappearance. Its widespread or systematic practice constitutes a crime against humanity.
The International Diplomatic Union emphasizes that preventing and eradicating enforced disappearance requires faithful implementation of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and related instruments; the maintenance of official registers of all persons deprived of liberty; independent judicial oversight of detention; and the guarantee of the rights to truth, justice, and reparation. The right of families to know the truth about the fate and whereabouts of their loved ones is not negotiable, and the search for the disappeared must continue until their fate is clarified. Impunity for this crime must end — for accountability is both a measure of justice for the past and the strongest safeguard against repetition.
We also pay tribute to the families of the disappeared — above all the mothers, wives, and daughters who have so often led the search — and to the human rights defenders, lawyers, and journalists who pursue truth at great personal risk. Their courage is a lesson in dignity for the entire international community, and their protection is an international obligation.
Consistent with its mission of promoting human rights, international dialogue, and cooperation, the International Diplomatic Union reaffirms its commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen the rule of law and judicial independence, advance accountability, build the capacity of institutions and officials to prevent violations, and keep the rights and voices of victims at the centre of national and international action.
On this solemn occasion, the International Diplomatic Union calls upon all governments to ratify and implement the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, and upon international organizations, national human rights institutions, civil society, and all stakeholders to intensify their efforts to prevent enforced disappearances, ensure accountability for those responsible, support victims and their families in their pursuit of truth and justice, and defend, without exception, the dignity and rights of every human being.
Dr. Faisal Al-Mutairi
President
International Diplomatic Union
Brussels
