13 years ago, in 2010, the UN General Assembly, with Resolution No.65/209, proclaimed August 30th as the Day of Victims of Enforced Disappearances, expressing concern at the "the increase in enforced or involuntary disappearances in various regions of the world".

Emphasizing the importance of the struggle against enforced disappearances, including the prevention of this crime and the fight against impunity, Armenia has signed and ratified the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.

The Convention, as well as other fundamental international documents on human rights, reaffirm the right of every person to be free from enforced disappearance and to receive immediate, just and adequate compensation.

The issue of enforced disappearances is one of the most severe and lasting problems both during and after conflicts. All the while, the families of the missing person wait, search and remain hopeful about the return of their loved ones.

Unfortunately, Armenian society also faced it. As a result of the Azerbaijani aggression in 2020, new cases have been added to the hundreds of cases of missing persons and forced disappearances of the 90s of the previous century, when even in the face of documented and video evidence, the authorities of Azerbaijan demonstrates inaction regarding the fate of Armenian servicemen.

Being concerned about the fate of hundreds of missing people of the 44-day war, Armenia also draws attention to the cases where numerous videos and testimonies proving the forced disappearances were presented. However, no information about their fate and whereabouts has been provided by Azerbaijan.

In this context, Armenia is taking all possible steps to bring this issue to international courts, taking into account the fact that enforced disappearances in certain circumstances are also crimes against humanity defined by international law.

One of the objectives of the International Day of Victims of Enforced Disappearances is to remind all states to respect the rights of the families to know the truth about the fate of their loved ones.

August 30 is the day when we not only address cases of enforced disappearances but also reaffirm our commitment to overcome all obstacles to clarify the fate of the missing.