International Day of the Disappeared today

The International Day of the Disappeared being observer today (August 30) across the country, with various programmes organised by human rights groups, including Mayer Dak.

The day is observed to remember victims of enforced disappearance, highlight the prolonged suffering of their families and strengthen national and international efforts to prevent the crime.

The observance carries particular significance in national context this year amid renewed attention to allegations of enforced disappearances in recent years, investigations into the cases and demands for accountability.

Moreover, Bangladesh’s signing of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance has also added momentum to calls for impartial investigations and justice.

The United Nations observes August 30 each year to raise awareness of enforced disappearance as a global human rights crisis. The practice of concealing the fate or whereabouts of individuals and denying them legal protection is recognised as a serious violation of human rights.

In 2006, the UN General Assembly adopted the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. The convention entered into force in 2010, and August 30 has been observed internationally as the International Day of the Disappeared since 2011.