Disappearance Of Persons: Let’s Act Now!

I t is very common these days to read an­ nouncement on missing persons on social media platforms or in newspaper pages. Chil­ dren and adults alike are reported to have di­ sappeared from public view every now and then. While some of the cases are simply missing their way, a good number of the cases are forced disappearances. From the legal standpoint, there are three forms of disappearance; enforced disappearance (by State agents or with State support). This may entail arrest or detention, abduction by non-State groups and common criminal disappearances or missing persons. Whatever be the case, the three forms of di­ sappearance are condemned by legal instruments including the United Nations law. Though no official records exist in Cameroon on enforced disappearance, Non-Governmental Organisations like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch etc, estimates that bet­ ween 300 and 500 cases of suspected enforced di­ sappearance have been re­ corded since 2014. This is exacerbated by the Boko Haram incursions in the Far North Region and separatists’ fighter groups in the North West and South West Regions. Abduction and kidnappings have become very rampant in the North West and South West Regions as the protracted socio-political crisis persist. Families constantly report the disappearance of persons and eventual demand of ransoms. In the worst case scenario, victims are even killed by their abductors. Away from the Boko Haram and separatists’ fighter groups, common criminal disappearances are also reported in major cities. Child trafficking, ritual killings, accidental drownings, and migration are highly associated to such disappearances. Regular reports of young people disappearing, often subjected to domestic exploitation. The magnitude of forceful disappearance of persons is a global human rights concern. This is why the United Nations (UN), in 2010, instituted the commemoration of the International Day of Victims of enforced disappearances, celebrated every August 30, since 2011. This year also marked the 20th anniversary of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances. The theme that was chosen by the UN Committee “Victims first. Action now” put the rights of victims to truth, justice, reparation at the centre and a call for States to ratify and implement the convention. The theme from the UN Committee “Victims first, Action now” also reminds us of our collective responsibility towards victims. It also highlights the need for immediate action in protecting victims especially children. By taking actions, the community is standing against violation of inalienable rights of persons to freedom. Most often, people are insensitive to enforced disap­ pearance of persons because they think it does not concern them until they day they become victims. In the crisis hit North West and South West Regions, victims are ...