The International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances will be observed in Bangladesh on Sunday (August 29) as elsewhere in the world drawing attention to the plight of those who have gone missing under mysterious or unlawful circumstances.
To mark the day, various human rights organizations, political and social organizations will hold different programs aimed at raising awareness and demanding justice.
Enforced disappearance is a global issue, especially in autocratic regimes and politically unstable regions.
The United Nations (UN) has designated August 30 as the International Day of Victims of Enforced Disappearances since 2011, to ensure that necessary measures are taken globally to trace disappeared individuals and to show solidarity with their families.
The day also marks the adoption of an international convention on December 20, 2006, at the UN General Assembly to prevent enforced disappearances and end the impunity surrounding the crime.
In 2010, the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance was enacted, and August 30 was officially declared as the International Day.
Families of the disappeared and various governmental and non-governmental organizations observe the day.
The main objective of this day is to highlight the inhuman crime of enforced disappearance on the global stage and to exert pressure on states to be held accountable.
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