Enforced Disappearances: Tackling an Invisible Crime

Jan. 10, 2013 - PRLog -- The practice of enforced disappearances has made many victims over the past centuries, going from Nazi Germany and Argentina’s dirty war to daily arrests and disappearances in war-torn Syria. This atrocious method is being used by more than 80 countries around the world, aiming at repressing opponents and spreading terror within society by placing its victims outside of the law.

Enforced disappearances, internationally recognised as a crime against humanity, violate a series of human rights. In addition to the direct victims who in many cases face torture, sexual abuse and extra-judicial killings, the fate of their families changes dramatically as well, as the continued search for their disappeared family members and friends disrupts their lives. The adoption of the Rome Statute and the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances have made it possible for the international community to take action against governments. However, the deniability that stems from the very nature of the crime makes it a very difficult issue to tackle.

Consequently, in an effort reach a better understanding of the specific character of the crime of enforced disappearances and the possible European and international strategies to bring an end to it, Josef Weidenholzer MEP, will convene the conference “Enforced Disappearances: Tackling an Invisible Crime” in the European Parliament, Room A8F388, Brussels on 23 January 2013 from 9:00-12:00.

A selection of speakers from academia, NGOs and various institutions from Europe and elsewhere will address a varied audience on topics including the history of the practise of enforced disappearances, the role of the Convention and the EEAS, and case studies from China and Pakistan.

To attend, please send full name, nationality, date of birth, passport/ID number, place of residence and organisation to dpardijs@unpo.org or call +32 251 314 59.
Deadline for registrations is 17 January 2013.