In a strong appeal to the international community, Gehad Madi, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants, has called on governments around the world to enhance protections for migrants. Each year, thousands of migrants are at risk of enforced disappearances during their perilous journeys. The urgency of this matter was emphasized in Madi’s recent statement, where he highlighted that these disappearances often occur in contexts involving detention, deportation, or trafficking.
The International Committee of the Red Cross guidelines categorize missing persons as those whose whereabouts are unknown due to conflict, violence, disasters, or situations requiring state intervention. As cited in a new report by the UN, recommendations have been made for states to implement fortified measures. These include better data collection, identification processes, and enhanced cooperative efforts between nations where migrants originate, transition, and ultimately aim to settle.
The international community’s adherence to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance is crucial in this regard. The convention unequivocally prohibits any form of deprivation of liberty that could lead to enforced disappearance, without exception. Despite being ratified by 77 countries since its adoption in 2006, there remain significant challenges pertaining to its implementation. Article 24 of the Convention mandates justice and reparations for victims, including comprehensive legal, medical, and psychological support.
Recent reports from the UN highlighted the persistence of this issue in various countries, including Tanzania, Mali, and El Salvador. These accounts signify the often-overlooked reality of enforced disappearances as a global crisis exacerbated by state impunity. Madi stresses the importance of holding perpetrators accountable and advocates for a migration policy that centers on human rights and safety, asserting that a rights-based approach is necessary for protecting vulnerable migrant populations. For further insights, you can access the full article on JURIST.