MADRES DE LA PLAZA DE MAYO PROTEST AGAINST ENFORCED DISAPPEARANCES IN ARGENTINA, 1982 (IMAGE VIA UNIVISION)
Child soldiers, women forced to engage in prostitution, and migrant workers held captive and forced to work without pay are just a few examples of modern-day slavery and trafficking. Despite being illegal under international law, slavery, forced labor, and human trafficking are widely practiced throughout the world.
Enforced disappearance occurs when a state or political organization kidnaps or imprisons a person or group of people, then refuses to acknowledge or provide information about the person’s fate or whereabouts. As a result of this refusal, the victims of forced disappearances are not afforded the protection of international law, and are usually subject to other human rights abuses, including sexual assault and murder.
The following documents show some of the progress and initiatives that have been taken to end slavery, trafficking, and enforced disappearances around the world.
PROTESTERS HOLD SIGNS THAT SAY “DÓNDE ESTÁN?” (WHERE ARE THEY?) (VIA AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL)
Inter-American Convention on Forced Disappearance of Persons, 1994
The Organization of American States adopted the Inter-American Convention on Forced Disappearance of Persons in 1994. Despite its leadership in the region, the United States has not become party to the convention. Learn more >
COUNCIL OF EUROPE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY (FREDERICK FLORIN VIA FRANCE 24)
Convention on Action against trafficking in human beings, 2005
The Council of Europe’s Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings is a human rights treaty that aims to prevent and combat all forms of human trafficking in Europe. Learn more >
Women hold placards of missing loved ones in Guatemala, 2016 (image via Forbes)
International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, 2006
The International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2006 and entered into force in 2010. It signals the international community’s willingness to stand against this practice and to hold other member states responsible for their actions. Learn more >