PDF Format: Lesson Series 48: Enforced disappearance

THE ISSUE

Enforced disappearances are a gross form of human rights abuse. They deprive individuals of their basic freedoms and deny them all access to the law. Disappearances leave victims' family members in limbo, not knowing the whereabouts or condition of their loved ones. International law considers systematic disappearances to be a crime against humanity.

Enforced disappearances are rife in many Asian countries. In most of them however, there is no law prohibiting or punishing enforced disappearance. This lack of legislation grants impunity to the perpetrators and prevents victims from obtaining redress.
                                         
THE LESSONS