FORCED DISAPPEARANCE Meaning and
Definition
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Forced disappearance is a term used in the context of human rights to describe a grievous violation that occurs when an individual is apprehended, detained, or abducted by the state or its agents without any legal basis. Also referred to as enforced disappearance, this heinous act deprives the victims of their fundamental rights and constitutes a clandestine form of arrest, followed by the refusal to acknowledge the person's fate or whereabouts, effectively erasing them from society and subjecting them to an enforced state of missing persons.
Typically carried out by state authorities or groups operating with their tacit approval, forced disappearance often involves secret detention centers, where victims are subjected to physical and psychological torment, and oftentimes even torture or execution. The purpose behind forced disappearance is multifaceted, encompassing political, social, and criminal objectives. It aims to intimidate populations, silence dissent, and instill fear within society by eroding individuals' trust in the rule of law and the government's ability to protect its citizens.
The practice of forced disappearance is condemned under international human rights law, where it is considered a grave violation of numerous rights, including the right to liberty and security, the right to a fair trial, and the right to know the truth about the fate and whereabouts of loved ones. The United Nations Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance addresses this matter, emphasizing the state's responsibility to investigate and bring justice to those involved in such acts as well as provide reparations to victims and their families.
Etymology of FORCED DISAPPEARANCE
The word "forced disappearance" is a compound term derived from two separate words: "force" and "disappearance".
The term "force" originates from the Latin word "fortis", meaning "strong" or "powerful". In English, it refers to the act of compelling something or someone to do or undergo something against their will.
The term "disappearance" comes from the Latin word "dis-" (meaning "apart" or "away") and "apparere" (meaning "to appear"). In English, it signifies the act of vanishing or ceasing to be visible or present.
Therefore, "forced disappearance" essentially refers to an illicit and involuntary act of causing someone to vanish or be removed from public view through the imposition of power or exertion of force, often associated with human rights violations.
