International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances is observed on August 30th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as important facts you may want to know about International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances.

📅 What day is International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances 2024?

In 2024, International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances is on Wednesday, August 30th. It is the 5th Wednesday in August; in 2024, it is Friday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all the cool details and facts about August 30, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Every year, on August 30th, the International Day of Victims of Enforced Disappearance is commemorated. The purpose of this day is to draw attention to the widespread issue of enforced disappearances worldwide. Throughout history, enforced disappearance has been used as a tactic to instill fear within society, causing not only distress for the victims’ immediate families but also for their communities. This problem is not limited to a specific region and has become a global concern. Additionally, certain groups of people are particularly vulnerable to this unfortunate circumstance.

📜 International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances History

On August 30, 2007, many Filipino families and supporters of the disappeared came together to protest against the government on the International Day of the Vanished. Among them was Edita Burgos, who was remembering her son, Jonas, a member of the Peasants’ Movement in the Philippines, who had gone missing. A year later, on August 30, 2008, the International Coalition against Enforced Disappearances, a global alliance of families and human rights organizations, joined forces in a joint effort to push for the ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.

The United Nations General Assembly recognized that detaining individuals under questionable circumstances is a violation of human rights and passed a resolution known as the Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance in December 1992. In 2010, the United Nations expressed concern over the increasing number of involuntary disappearances worldwide, with hundreds of thousands of people going missing in at least 85 countries during times of war or dictatorship. In 2011, during the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances, the United Nations designated August 30 as the International Day of Victims of Enforced Disappearance.

✅ International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances Facts

🔖 Sri Lanka has a problem
Since the 1980s, the United Nations has received over 12,000 reports of forced disappearances in Sri Lanka, making it the second-highest number of such claims globally.

🔖 Crime is a factor
Between 2006 and 2012, over 26,000 individuals were reported missing or disappeared in Mexico. The primary reasons behind this alarming number were the violence caused by drug cartels and the efforts of security forces to combat organized crime.

🔖 Certain groups are more vulnerable
Children, women, and individuals with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to the grave dangers posed by enforced disappearance.

👍 Why Is International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances Important

The International Day of Victims of Enforced Disappearances commemorates those who are forced to vanish. Images and names are placed to remember individuals who have died.

The day focuses on the difficulties that people face when they are arbitrarily arrested, detained, or kidnapped. It sheds light on this global practice, which is still practiced around the world, as well as its societal implications.

It creates a support network for families who have lost a loved one unexpectedly. Personal tales are told, and comfort, to varying degrees, is offered.

🙂 How To Observe International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances

⚡ Spread the word

⚡ Get involved
If you join Amnesty International, you will have the opportunity to take part in the event. To find out more about how to sign up and the activities you can engage in, please visit their website for a comprehensive explanation.

⚡ Educate yourself
You can submit your own experience about victims of enforced disappearances if you or someone you know has had one. Use your social media handles or speak up at public gatherings specifically designated for this reason.

📅 When is International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances?

Explore all 🔗 August holidays, including 🔗 Cause and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

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