HRC63: Enforced Disappearances: A Vicious Cycle in Truth-Seeking
The 63rd Session of the Human Rights Council
7 September - 7 October 2026
Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Working Group on enforced or involuntary disappearances
15 September 2026
Enforced Disappearances: A Vicious Cycle in Truth-Seeking
By Niñanette Banal / GICJ
On 15 September 2026, the Human Rights Council held an interactive dialogue with the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances at its 63rd session. The Working Group presented the main annual report (A/HRC/63/28), alongside thematic agenda on memorialisation (A/HRC/63/28/Add.1) and follow-up on Uruguay (A/HRC/63/28/Add.2). Delegates cited current cases of enforced disappearances, expressed pressing concerns, and posed questions to the Working Group.
The Chair-Rapporteur of the Working Group highlighted the alarming rise in enforced disappearances, contemporary challenges, states’ obligations to provide memorialisation, and the importance of state cooperation with its mandate. She further discussed Uruguay’s follow-up report, noting the country's cooperation and notable actions in addressing enforced disappearances.
The delegate of the concerned state, Uruguay, highlighted the importance of cooperating with the Working Group and encouraged all states to do the same. She underscored Uruguay’s continued dedication in addressing enforced disappearances and to further strengthen their contribution to memorialisation, justice, and truth.
An overwhelming majority of delegates commended the Working Group for its work and called for continued support for its mandate. They cited numerous enforced disappearance cases across the globe and expressed concern regarding the rapid rise in enforced disappearance cases, reprisals, transnational repression, and the practice of impunity. They called upon states to act promptly regarding enforced disappearance reports, determine the fate and whereabouts of victims, hold perpetrators accountable, provide reparations to victims, and protect the victims, families, human rights defenders, and civil society organisations from reprisals.
