Human Rights Council 48th Session
Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances
Statement of the Nordic-Baltic countries. Intervention by the Nordic-Baltic countries, delivered by the Chargé d'Affaires of Lithuania in Geneva Mr Donatas Tamulaitis
21 September 2021
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries.
We thank the Working Group for the report on their activities as well as its thematic focus on transnational transfers.
Enforced disappearance is a serious violation of human rights and no circumstances may be invoked to justify it.
It is alarming that there are more than 46 thousand cases under active consideration and the number continues to grow. We urge all states to immediately stop and prevent enforced disappearances, initiate impartial and independent investigations and protect the rights of the victims and their families.
The Nordic-Baltic countries are particularly concerned about the Working groups’ reports on increasing practice of extraterritorial transfers that lead to enforced disappearances, as well as continued reprisals faced by families of victims and human rights defenders. These practices are unacceptable and should be thoroughly investigated.
In this context, we reiterate our call all States to respond positively to Working Groups’ requests for visits and to extend all necessary cooperation in order to facilitate their important work.
What additional measures could this Council take to prevent the acts of intimidation and reprisals against those seeking justice for victims?