8/3/2019 AFAD Statement on 1st Anniversary of the Convention

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23 December 2011

Statement of AFAD on the 1 st Anniversary of the entry into force of

UN Convention Against Enforced Disappearance

A Gift to Humanity, A Hope for the Future

Last year, the world received one of the best Christmas gifts when the International Convention for theProtection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance entered into force, 30 days after the deposit of the 20 thinstrument of ratification by Iraq on 23 November 2010.

This new treaty is a gift to humanity as it recognizes that enforced disappearance is a global phenomenonthat must be addressed globally. It is a major human rights concern of more than 90 countries based onthe 2010 report of the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances (UNWGEID), athematic UN body created in 1980 to monitor cases of enforced disappearances worldwide. Asia is thecontinent that has the highest number of disappearance cases.

The international treaty against enforced disappearances is also a gift to the families of the disappearedas it acknowledges that enforced disappearance brings havoc to the lives not only of the direct victimswho are forcibly taken by agents of the States and denied access to legal safeguards by removing themfrom the protection of the law but also to the victims families, who endlessly suffer from the uncertainty of knowing the fate and whereabouts of their loved ones.

It is no doubt a gift to every human person as it guarantees the right not to be subjected to enforceddisappearance.It provides that enforced disappearance can never be justified under any circumstances.The effective creation of a universal jurisdiction is one of the most important parts of the Convention. Italso obliges States Parties to enact domestic laws that sanction enforced disappearances as a distinctcrime.

This important treaty is especially valuable for the Asian region which is bereft of strong regionalmechanisms for redress and of distinct laws criminalizing this odious practice. As of this time, 90 stateshave signed it and 30 are States-Parties. It is also important that the competence of the newly establishedCommittee on Enforced Disappearances that accepts individual and inter-state communication berecognized by as many states as possible. The Committee on Enforced Disappearances can serve asavehicle to ensure full implementation of the anti-disappearance treaty. In cooperation with the UNWorking Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, it can go a long way towards the attainmentof truth and justice and ending impunity.

Today, the Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances joins the families of the disappearedand human rights advocates around the world in commemorating the 1 st anniversary of the entry intoforce of this International Convention Against Enforced Disappearance a grand step in the fight againstthis global scourge. For the families of the disappeared who struggled for years to make it a reality, it is a

gift and an inspiration to steadfastly make enforced disappearance disappear from the face of the earth.In the words of the late French Ambassador Bernard Kessedjian Bernanrd, make this huge hope of yesterday, the reality of tomorrow.

MUGIYANTO MARY AILEEN D. BACALSOChairperson Secretary-General

Asian Federation Against Involuntary DisappearancesRms. 310-311 Philippine Social Science Center BuildingCommonwealth Avenue, Diliman, 1103 Quezon City PhilippinesTelefax: 00-632-4546759 Telephone Number 00-632-9274594 Mobile 00-63-9177924058Email afad@surfshop.net.ph website www.afad-online.org