International Day of the Disappeared

The International Day of the Disappeared is observed annually on August 30th to raise awareness about the fate of individuals who have gone missing in conflict zones, during war or political unrest, or due to enforced disappearances. The day was first officially recognized by the United Nations in 2010 to draw attention to the plight of families who do not know the fate or whereabouts of their loved ones. Many of these individuals have been forcibly taken from their families, arrested, or abducted without any legal justification or trial, and their whereabouts are unknown. The day serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for human rights, justice, and accountability in many parts of the world. It also seeks to highlight the need for governments and other organizations to take action to locate and provide assistance to the families of missing persons, and to hold those responsible for disappearances accountable for their actions. On this day, many organizations and individuals around the world hold events and activities to raise awareness about the issue of enforced disappearances and to advocate for the rights of the families of the disappeared.