UN Human Rights Global Alliance Launches Initiative to Support Families of the Disappeared

GENEVA — Families of disappeared persons, UN officials, and human rights advocates gathered at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on October 16, 2026, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the UN General Assembly's adoption of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (CED) and to launch a new support initiative.

The newly launched project, titled "Still Here: Victims at the Center of the Human Rights Movement," is an initiative of the Global Alliance for Human Rights, which was established in June by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. Backed by France, the project focuses on addressing the practical, administrative, financial, and legal obstacles faced by relatives following a disappearance, including frozen bank accounts, identity documentation issues, passport renewals, and school registrations.

From now through December 2028—the 80th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights—the initiative plans to consult families across multiple regions and document the multi-generational impacts of enforced disappearances. According to Global Alliance Coordinator Laura Dolci, the project will produce a practical guide and recommendations for public and private institutions.

"Health systems, banks, insurance companies, social services, and administrative authorities too often rely on procedures that do not take into account the legal and practical circumstances created by the disappearance of a person," stated UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Awa Dabo.

The Geneva event, held under the campaign theme "Victims first. Actions now" (CED20), featured speakers from Mexico, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, and Thailand, alongside treaty negotiators and members of the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances. Committee President Juan Pablo Albán Alencastro emphasized that adopting the Convention must not be confused with full implementation, noting that fulfilling its obligations remains an ongoing responsibility.

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