To tackle a burning
global issue
Enforced disappearance is still practiced today, on all continents and in new contexts, such as migration
To build trust between the State and its citizens
The Convention is a useful tool to address issues related to truth, justice, memory, reconciliation and reparation
All States are concerned
Universal ratification is key to enable the Convention to be fully operational and to prevent and eradicate enforced disappearance
To become aware that enforced disappearance exists
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
To become aware that enforced disappearance exists
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
To express shared commitment to ending enforced disappearance
Ratifying the Convention sends a powerful message that enforced disappearance is never acceptable under any circumstances
To enable victims to claim their rights
The Convention is the outcome of their long and hard-fought struggle to have their rights recognized and protected
To enable cooperation between States and mutual legal assistance
The Convention encourages mutual assistance between States in connection with criminal proceedings as well as international cooperation to assist and search for victims
To strengthen the rule of law
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)
A guiding tool
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
To identify patterns and design strategic action plans
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
A prevention tool
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
Why all states should ratify the convention
For more information and/or support on how to promote ratification or become a State party, please get in touch: wced@cedi193.org.
See also the very useful and practical guide by OHCHR, Becoming a Party to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance – Practical Guide (esp. from p. 13).