A/HRC/WGEID/126/1
(Islamic Republic of) (3), Iraq (1), Kazakhstan (1), Libya (1), Peru (1), the Philippines (1),
the Russian Federation (1), Trinidad and Tobago (1) and the United Arab Emirates (1), as
well as to “other actors” (the de facto authorities in Sana’a (1)); four joint “other letters”, to
Ireland (1), Spain (1), Sri Lanka (1) and Uruguay (1); and one “other letter” to Pakistan.3
6.
At its session, the Working Group reviewed and adopted one general allegation
concerning India (see annex II). It also held discussions on its methods of work and on its
upcoming and potential country visits. The Working Group also held preliminary discussions
on a number of projects, including a new thematic report on new technologies and enforced
disappearances and a stocktaking study to mark the thirtieth anniversary of the adoption in
1992 of the Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.
7.
The full list of press releases and statements issued by the Working Group during the
reporting period is contained in annex IV.
II. Other activities
8.
At its session, the Working Group held virtual meetings with relatives of disappeared
persons and with non-governmental organizations working on the issue.
9.
Also at its session, the Working Group held meetings with representatives of the
Governments of Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Kenya, Iraq, Japan, Thailand,
Turkey and Uruguay.
10.
Also at its session, the Working Group discussed its special initiative to mark the
adoption of the Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. 4
The initiative is to take stock of the progress of international law on the subject of enforced
disappearances, and to identify the obstacles encountered in the implementation of the
Declaration and the ways in which the Working Group could support States in overcoming
them, including through technical assistance and cooperation. The Working Group is
thankful for the submissions received from several Member States, as well as from relevant
individuals and organizations, following its call for input. These submissions included the
translation of the Declaration into several non-official United Nations languages.5
11.
A list of other activities conducted by the Working Group during the reporting period
is contained in annex V.
III. Information concerning enforced or involuntary
disappearances in States reviewed by the Working Group
during the session
Afghanistan
Standard procedure
12.
The Working Group announced in September 2019 that it would start documenting
violations that were tantamount to enforced disappearances perpetrated by non-State actors.
3
4
5
2
The Working Group transmits prompt intervention letters in cases of intimidation, persecution or
reprisal against relatives of disappeared persons, witnesses or members of relevant organizations.
Furthermore, past human rights violations can be the object of allegation letters; ongoing or potential
human rights violations can be the object of urgent appeals; and concerns relating to bills, laws,
policies and practices that do not comply with international human rights law and standards are
categorized as “other letters”. “Other letters” are made public 48 hours after their transmission to the
State. All other communications are made public 60 days after their transmission to the State, along
with any responses received from the Government, and are available from
https://spcommreports.ohchr.org/Tmsearch/TMDocuments.
See https://www.ohchr.org/en/calls-for-input/calls-input/call-inputs-view-special-initiative-marking30th-anniversary.
See https://owncloud.unog.ch/s/fHfDtaNLPiYgexR.