63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council
Interactive Dialogue with WG on enforced disappearances
Statement delivered by H.E Ambassador Rytis Paulauskas
on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States
15 September 2026
Mr President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States. We thank the Working Group for its report and important work.
We remain deeply concerned by the continued use of enforced disappearance and reprisals against victims, their families, human rights defenders and those seeking truth and justice. We are also seriously concerned by the enforced disappearances in the context of armed conflicts, including by the disappearance of children.
We stress the obligation to clarify the fate and whereabouts of missing persons and ensure accountability for violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. States must ensure safe and enabling conditions for victims to seek truth, justice and reparation
We recognise the importance of preserving memory and ensuring that memorialization efforts contribute to truth, dignity and reparation, while stressing that they cannot substitute for justice and accountability.
The effectiveness of the Working Group`s mandate depends on States’ full, timely and substantive cooperation. We therefore call on all States to respond to its requests for information, and to address the accountability gaps highlighted in the report.
How can States increase their cooperation with the Working Group?
I thank you.