UNITED NATIONS: Asserting that “prohibition of enforced disappearance is absolute”, the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has denounced the “alarming” number of disappearances and appealed to all member states to ratify or accede to the legal instrument prohibiting such acts.

The International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance affirms unequivocally that the act illegal under any circumstances, including war, internal political instability or any other public emergency.

“Victims of enforced disappearances are deprived of their liberty, kept in secret detention and seldom released,” Mr Ban said.

“Often their fate remains unknown; they are frequently tortured and in constant fear of being killed. Even if they are eventually set free, the physical and psychological scars stay with them for the rest of their lives. The victims’ families and loved ones also suffer immense anguish.” Marking the 4th International day to end enforced disappearances, he said: “I urge all member states to ratify or accede to the convention without delay, and I call on the states parties to the convention to implement it”.

Published in Dawn, August 31st, 2015

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