Enforced disappearances

Enforced disappearances occur when authorities or groups secretly detain individuals, and then deny knowledge or involvement in their whereabouts or fate. Often used as a tool of oppression, these acts violate fundamental human rights, creating fear and uncertainty for families and communities. The person disappears without any formal charges or judicial process, making it impossible for their loved ones to know what happened to them. International law condemns enforced disappearances due to their brutal impact and their violation of dignity, fairness, and justice.