Monday the 30th of August was the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances. In recognition of the date, the United Kingdom wishes to express its strong commitment to the prevention and eradication of this abhorrent practice. The UK Government vehemently condemns any instances of enforced disappearances and urges States to fully investigate any allegations, prosecute those responsible, and provide justice to victims and their families.
Enforced disappearances clearly violate the human rights of those who are disappeared. Moreover, enforced disappearances not only deeply affect the families of victims, leaving a lasting impact on their communities, but it also undermines and damages the effectiveness of the rule of law. We cannot allow these practices to continue unchecked.
At last year's Ministerial Council we expressed in Decision 7/20 that we are all "deeply concerned that enforced disappearances still occur in the OSCE region". Yet in 2021 we continue to receive credible reports of enforced disappearances in the region, including numerous cases of individuals being held in full isolation whilst in prison, with no information provided to, or from, their loved ones.
Mr Chair,
It is important that our commitments and words, including from the Tirana Ministerial Council, translate into action. We therefore call on participating States to ensure that credible reports of enforced disappearances lead to independent and transparent investigations. We also call on all participating States to reaffirm their commitment to address this serious human rights violation, including by implementing their international human rights obligations and adhering to their OSCE commitments.
