History of International Day of the Disappeared
The International Day of the Disappeared is observed annually on August 30th. This day is dedicated to remembering those who have disappeared under various circumstances, often due to conflicts, violence, or government actions. The observance highlights the plight of individuals who have gone missing and the pain their families endure, while also advocating for the rights of the disappeared and the need for justice.
The origins of this observance trace back to the Latin American Federation of Associations for Relatives of Detained-Disappeared (FEDEFAM), which was founded in 1981. The organization initially established the day to raise awareness about the thousands of people who went missing during dictatorships in Latin America. Over time, the day gained international recognition and is now observed globally, with the support of organizations like the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the United Nations.
The International Day of the Disappeared is primarily observed on August 30th, but some countries have their own designated days to commemorate the disappeared. For example, in Argentina, the Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice is observed on March 24th to honor the victims of the military dictatorship.
Where is International Day of the Disappeared Observed?
Global Observance: The day is recognized worldwide, particularly in countries with a history of enforced disappearances, such as Argentina, Chile, and Sri Lanka.
Latin America: Strong observance due to the region’s history of military dictatorships and the disappearances that occurred during those times.
Asia: Countries like Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the Philippines observe the day, focusing on the unresolved cases of enforced disappearances.
Europe: In regions like the Balkans, where conflicts have led to many disappearances, the day is marked with solemn ceremonies and calls for justice.
Variants, Other Names, and Related Observances
Day of the Disappeared: A shorter, alternative name used in some regions.
Day of Remembrance for the Disappeared: Focuses on remembering those who have gone missing.
National Day of the Disappeared: Observed in some countries on different dates, reflecting local histories.
Related observances:
International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims: March 24th.
International Day in Support of Victims of Torture: June 26th.
Human Rights Day: December 10th.
World Humanitarian Day: August 19th.
Facts About International Day of the Disappeared
Origins in Latin America: The observance was initially created to address the disappearances during the military dictatorships in Latin America, particularly in Argentina and Chile.
FEDEFAM's Role: FEDEFAM, the Latin American Federation of Associations for Relatives of Detained-Disappeared, played a crucial role in establishing the observance.
Global Recognition: The day has expanded beyond Latin America and is now observed in many countries worldwide.
Red Cross Involvement: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) actively participates in the observance, advocating for the rights of the disappeared.
United Nations Support: The UN supports the observance and calls on member states to take action against enforced disappearances.
Families’ Plight: The day highlights the ongoing struggles of families who search for their missing loved ones, often for decades.
Not Just War Zones: Disappearances are not limited to war zones; they can occur in any country where human rights are not fully respected.
Legal Framework: The International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, adopted by the UN in 2006, is a key legal instrument in the fight against disappearances.
Truth Commissions: Many countries have established truth commissions to investigate disappearances and provide closure for families.
Forensic Science: Advances in forensic science have helped identify remains and solve cases of disappeared individuals.
Digital Campaigns: Social media and digital campaigns play a significant role in raising awareness and mobilizing support for the cause.
Candlelight Vigils: Candlelight vigils are a common way to observe the day, symbolizing hope and remembrance.
Artists’ Involvement: Artists often contribute to the observance through performances, exhibitions, and installations that reflect the theme of disappearance.
Documentaries: Several documentaries have been made to highlight the stories of the disappeared, bringing global attention to the issue.
Educational Programs: Schools and universities may hold educational programs to teach students about human rights and the history of enforced disappearances.
Advocacy for Justice: The day serves as a platform for human rights organizations to demand justice for the disappeared and accountability for those responsible.
Psychological Impact: The psychological impact on the families of the disappeared is profound, with many experiencing long-term trauma and uncertainty.
Role of Women: Women, particularly mothers and wives, often lead the search for the disappeared and are central figures in advocacy movements.
Public Memorials: Some countries have erected public memorials to honor the disappeared, serving as a place for reflection and remembrance.
International Solidarity: The observance fosters international solidarity, with people from different countries uniting in the call for justice and the protection of human rights.
Controversies Surrounding International Day of the Disappeared
Despite its important mission, International Day of the Disappeared is not without controversy:
Political Sensitivities: In some countries, the observance is politically sensitive, especially where governments have been accused of involvement in disappearances.
Lack of Accountability: Critics argue that the day brings attention to the issue but often fails to lead to concrete actions or accountability.
Selective Observance: Some countries may selectively observe the day, focusing on disappearances in other nations while ignoring cases within their own borders.
Media Coverage: Media coverage of the day can be inconsistent, with some regions receiving more attention than others, depending on geopolitical interests.
Funding Disparities: There are concerns about disparities in funding for organizations working on enforced disappearances, with some receiving significant support while others struggle.
Use in Propaganda: In some cases, the day has been used for propaganda purposes, with governments using it to criticize rivals while ignoring their own abuses.
Victimization Narrative: Some activists are concerned that the focus on victimization can overshadow the resilience and agency of the families of the disappeared.
Overshadowing Other Issues: The day’s focus on disappearances may overshadow other human rights issues that are also critical but less highlighted.
Cultural Differences: The observance may not resonate equally in all cultures, where the concept of disappearance may be understood differently.
Long-Term Impact: There is debate about the long-term impact of the observance, with some questioning whether it leads to lasting change.
Language Expressions Related to International Day of the Disappeared
"Enforced Disappearance": Refers to the practice of forcibly making someone disappear, typically by the state or a state-like entity.
"Desaparecidos": A term used in Latin America to describe those who have disappeared, particularly during military regimes.
"Missing Persons": A broader term that can include those who have disappeared for various reasons, not necessarily due to enforced disappearance.
"Truth and Reconciliation": A process used by some countries to address past abuses, including disappearances, through truth-telling and reconciliation.
"Human Rights Violations": Enforced disappearances are considered severe violations of human rights.
"White Van Syndrome": A term used in some countries to describe the fear of being abducted by unknown assailants, often linked to enforced disappearances.
"Forced Displacement": The movement of people against their will, sometimes related to enforced disappearances.
"Memory and Justice": A phrase often associated with the search for truth and accountability in cases of disappearances.
"Collective Memory": The shared remembrance of the disappeared within a community or nation.
"Impunity": The failure to hold perpetrators of enforced disappearances accountable, often a focus of advocacy on this day.
The Future of International Day of the Disappeared
Looking ahead, the observance of International Day of the Disappeared may evolve in several ways:
Stronger Global Legislation: Advocates may push for stronger international laws and enforcement mechanisms to prevent enforced disappearances.
Technology in Advocacy: The use of digital tools, such as facial recognition software and DNA databases, may become more prominent in finding and identifying the disappeared.
Broader Participation: Efforts could be made to involve more countries and regions in observing the day, particularly those where disappearances are less recognized.
Focus on Prevention: Future observances may place more emphasis on preventing disappearances through early warning systems and international cooperation.
Youth Engagement: Educating and involving younger generations in the cause could ensure continued advocacy and awareness in the future.
Increased Support for Families: Providing psychological, legal, and financial support to the families of the disappeared may become a central focus.
Cross-Border Collaboration: Greater collaboration between countries and organizations may help address disappearances that cross national borders.
Cultural Sensitivity: Observances may become more culturally sensitive, adapting to the different ways communities understand and address disappearances.
Public Memorials and Museums: Establishing more public memorials and museums dedicated to the disappeared could help preserve their memory and educate the public.
Ongoing Advocacy for Accountability: The day will likely continue to be a platform for advocating justice and accountability, ensuring that the disappeared are not forgotten.
Movies About or Related to International Day of the Disappeared
The Missing (2003)
IMDb: www.imdb.com/title/tt0338188/ (Note: A western drama about a woman who searches for her kidnapped daughter.)
Missing (1982)
IMDb: www.imdb.com/title/tt0084335/ (Note: Based on the true story of an American journalist who disappeared in Chile during the military coup.)
The Secret in Their Eyes (2009)
IMDb: www.imdb.com/title/tt1305806/ (Note: An Argentine film that deals with unresolved cases from the Dirty War era.)
The Vanished Elephant (2014)
IMDb: www.imdb.com/title/tt2381213/ (Note: A Peruvian thriller about a man’s search for his missing girlfriend.)
A Cry in the Dark (1988)
IMDb: www.imdb.com/title/tt0094924/ (Note: The story of a woman accused of murder after her child disappears.)
No (2012)
IMDb: www.imdb.com/title/tt2059255/ (Note: Set during the Chilean plebiscite, touching on themes of repression and disappearance.)
The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby (2013)
IMDb: www.imdb.com/title/tt3729920/ (Note: A drama exploring the impact of a woman’s sudden disappearance on her family.)
The Nightingale (2018)
IMDb: www.imdb.com/title/tt4068576/ (Note: A historical drama set in Australia, where disappearances and violence play a central role.)
The Lives of Others (2006)
IMDb: www.imdb.com/title/tt0405094/ (Note: Set in East Germany, the film explores surveillance and the fear of disappearance.)
The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)
IMDb: www.imdb.com/title/tt0318462/ (Note: While not directly about disappearances, the film touches on the political climate in Latin America.)
References
www.icrc.org/en/what-we-do/visiting-detainees/international-day-disappeared
www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2019/08/international-day-disappeared-enforced-disappearance/
www.hrw.org/news/2020/08/30/international-day-disappeared-un-should-stand-victims
www.fedefam.org/english/