Enforced disappearance is still practiced today, on all continents and in new contexts, such as migration

The Convention is a useful tool to address issues related to truth, justice, memory, reconciliation and reparation

Universal ratification is key to enable the Convention to be fully operational and to prevent and eradicate enforced disappearance

The Convention allows the population to realize that enforced disappearance exists and, where relevant, that it was or still is a reality in the country

The Convention allows the population to realize that enforced disappearance exists and, where relevant, that it was or still is a reality in the country

Ratifying the Convention sends a powerful message that enforced disappearance is never acceptable under any circumstances

The Convention is the outcome of their long and hard-fought struggle to have their rights recognized and protected 

The Convention encourages mutual assistance between States in connection with criminal proceedings as well as international cooperation to assist and search for victims

Implementation of the Convention provides an opportunity to strengthen the rule of law, in line with the Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)

The Convention and its Committee guide States through the incremental process of implementation of the Convention at the national level. States can rely on the assistance of the Committee to identify the necessary measures to prevent and punish enforced disappearance and guarantee victims’ rights

The Convention enables States parties, with the help of the UN Committee, to identify patterns of enforced disappearances (their frequency, length etc.) on the basis of which strategic action plans can be designed

Many Convention provisions aim to prevent enforced disappearance, such as the prohibition of secret detention, the non-refoulement principle or the obligation to maintain officials registers and/or records of persons deprived of liberty