International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances: Why is it celebrated around the world on August 30? | Knowledge News

Every year on August 30, International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances is observed worldwide to highlight the tale of those people who are imprisoned in places and under poor conditions unknown to their relatives and legal representatives.

According to the UN, authorities resort to enforced disappearance to spread terror. (Photo credit: Unsplash)

New Delhi: In the modern age, the concept of human rights and freedom has become increasingly popular. Nowadays, more and more people and governments are aware of the fundamental rights of every individual. Still, there are people all over the world who are suffering in silence. Every year on August 30, International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances is observed worldwide to highlight the tale of those people who are imprisoned in places and under poor conditions unknown to their relatives and legal representatives. In this article, we will learn more about this day.

International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances: How did it originate?

On December 21, 2010, the UN General Assembly in a resolution stated that it was deeply concerned about the rising numbers of enforced disappearances globally, including detention, abduction and arrest. The UN also expressed the problem of growing reports regarding harassment, ill-treatment and intimidation of witnesses of disappearances or people who are related to those who disappeared. The UN, by the same resolution, decided to declare August 30 as the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances. It was first observed in 2011.

International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances: What is its significance?

According to the UN, authorities resort to enforced disappearance to spread terror and generate a feeling of insecurity not just among the close relatives of the disappeared but also their communities and society. It is a global problem and was once a potent tool of military dictatorships. However, nowadays, it is perpetrated in complex situations of internal conflict, especially to suppress political opponents. The UN states that hundreds of thousands of people have vanished during conflicts or periods of repression in several nations around the world.

It is particularly traumatic for victims who are frequently tortured and deprived of all their rights and are at the mercy of their captors. Even if they are released alive, the physical and psychological scars of the torture tend to remain for a long time. The families and friends of the victims undergo mental torture and harassment as they do not know about the whereabouts and the conditions of the victims. In some cases, the families and friends of the victims are also harassed by the concerned authority. Every year, this day highlights this global problem and reminds us to remember those who have disappeared. It makes us aware of the many human rights violations that the prisoner is subjected to and the need to rescue them from the torture and nightmarish situation.

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