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Definition of 'Enforced Disappearance'

“For the purposes of this Convention, 'enforced disappearance' is considered to be the arrest, detention, abduction or any other form of deprivation of liberty by agents of the State or by persons or groups of persons acting with the authorization, support or acquiescence of the State, followed by a refusal to acknowledge the deprivation of liberty or by concealment of the fate or whereabouts of the disappeared person, which place such a person outside the protection of the law” (Article 2).

Protected Main Rights

  • The States parties have the obligation to take necessary measures concretly and efficiantly in order to impede the occurance of disappearences and ensure the pursuit and punishment (Articles 4 – 7)
  • Principle of no return if risk of enforced disappearence (Article 16)
  • Right to a thorough and impartial investigation (Article 12)
  • Obligation for the State to maintain up to date official registers of persons legally deprived of liberty (Article 17)

Last change: 27.11.08 - 20:36