Statement by Anahit Manasyan on the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances

Statement by Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan on the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances
“August 30, the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, is another occasion to reflect on the lives disrupted by enforced disappearance and to underscore the importance of clarifying the fate of disappeared persons and protecting the rights of their families.
Enforced disappearance is one of the gravest violations of human rights. The absence of information about a person’s whereabouts and fate often leaves families in uncertainty for years, profoundly affecting their dignity, psychological well-being, and ability to lead a normal life. Therefore, clarifying the fate of persons subjected to enforced disappearance is not merely a matter of resolving individual cases, but a critical systemic obligation in the field of human rights protection.
This issue continues to be of particular significance to our society, given the cases that have remained unresolved for years and the concerns raised by the families of disappeared persons. The Human Rights Defender’s institution consistently addresses these issues, bringing them to the attention of both the competent national authorities and international partners.
I attach particular importance to fully ensuring the right of families to know the truth about the fate and whereabouts of their loved ones. The State must take all necessary and effective measures to establish the fate of disappeared persons, disclose available information, and duly inform their families. These efforts must be consistent, continuous, and as effective as possible.
At the same time, the engagement of international actors is essential in clarifying cases of enforced disappearance and protecting the rights of families. Within the framework of their respective mandates, they should use all available means to contribute to clarifying unresolved cases and protecting the rights of affected families.
In this process, I also attach particular importance to the role of civil society representatives, including organizations established and being established at the initiative of families. Their accumulated experience over the years, first-hand knowledge of the needs and concerns of families, and sustained efforts make an important contribution to identifying existing challenges and developing effective mechanisms to address them. Once again, I reaffirm my full support for civil society organizations established at the initiative of families and emphasize the importance of duly incorporating their expertise and experience into processes undertaken in this field.
As Human Rights Defender, I reaffirm my commitment to continuing consistent efforts in this important area and, within the framework of my mandate, contributing to clarifying the fate of disappeared persons and ensuring the full protection of the rights of their families.
I am convinced that clarifying the fate of disappeared persons requires continuous and concerted efforts. Every family has the right to expect to know the truth about the fate of their loved one and to have their rights fully protected—an expectation that must receive due attention and a consistent response.”