Aadel Collection
Report of the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances
UNITED
NATIONS
Economic and So
cial Distr.
Council
GENERAL
E/CN.4/2003/70*
21 January 2003
Original: ENGLISH
COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS
Fifty-ninth session
Item 11(b) of the provisional agenda
CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE QUESTIONS OF:
DISAPPEARANCES AND SUMMARY EXECUTIONS
Question of enforced or involuntary disappearances
Report of the Working Group on Enforced
or Involuntary Disappearances
Submitted in accordance with Commission resolution 2002/4 1
* Reissued for technical reasons.
E
GE.03-11318 (E) 040303
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 2
Executive summary
The present report of the Working Group retains the emphasis on further developments in
respect of two basic elements of the situation of enforced or involuntary disappearance
worldwide.
The first - new cases - relates to the practice of disappearance, which persists in a
number of countries. During 2002, the Working Group transmitted 120 new cases of
disappearance in respect of 24 countries; 63 of these cases occurred in 2002. As at the last day
of its sixty-eighth session, on 13 November 2002, the Working Group had 41,618 outstanding
cases on its registers. During 2002, the Working Group transmitted 65 cases under its urgent
action procedure to the Governments of 13 countries. The highest number of cases of enforced or
involuntary disappearance in 2002 allegedly occurred in Nepal (28) and Colombia (14). Since
its inception, the Working Group has transmitted a total of 49,872 cases to Governments.
At the time of writing, the backlog relative to incoming reports of enforced or involuntary
disappearances that remain to be processed - prior to consideration by the Working Group -
totals in excess of 3,000. This inhibits the accurate representation and evaluation of the effective
number of cases in the Working Group's files.
The second basic element of the phenomenon of enforced disappearance relates to the
clarification process, particularly of those cases transmitted more than 10 years ago.
During 2002, the Working Group clarified a total of 302 cases of enforced disappearance, of
which Sudan accounted for 198 cases. It would be appropriate to note that the total clarification
figure shown does not accurately reflect the situation which obtains, as the 12,550 Government
replies which remain to be processed are likely to affect the final figure for cases clarified.
Despite the fact that 5,255 cases have been clarified in the last five years, the Working Group
still confronts a backlog of 41,618 outstanding cases. During 2002, consequent to the Group's
innovative approach in inviting Governments with large numbers of unresolved cases - dating
back in certain instances to the 1970s - to consider ways and means, in cooperation with families
and civil society, for providing justice to the victims and for clarifying new cases, the Group has
received concrete assistance and strong cooperation from a number of Governments, notably
Algeria, Angola, India, Lebanon, Mexico, Morocco, and Sri Lanka. In the past, the Working
Group had reported on the pronounced cooperative attitude on the part of Governments, namely
those of Brazil, Mexico and Sri Lanka. The Working Group remains, nonetheless, very
concerned that of the 78 countries with outstanding cases, some Governments (Burkina Faso,
Burundi, Cambodia, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea, Israel, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda,
Seychelles, Tajikistan, Togo), as well as the Palestinian Authority, have never replied to its
requests for information or its reminders.
In the course of the considerable experience acquired in dealing with cases of
disappearance over more than 20 years, the Group has established the disparate contexts likely to
promote the phenomenon of enforced disappearances, certain of which are associated with the
State policies of authoritarian regimes. This was the situation which brought the Working Group
into existence in the 1980s. A much more complex situation is the one which derives from
internal conflict or tensions engendering violence and human rights violations, among which the
phenomenon of enforced disappearances must be counted.
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 3
In certain circumstances - namely when the events leading to an alleged disappearance
take place in one State and the disappeared is taken to another State, or when the act of enforced
disappearance is committed by forces from one State on the territory of a different sovereign
State - the Working Group requests the cooperation of more than one Government in clarifying a
case. Various allegations have been received by the Group over the years involving situations of
this kind. In such circumstances, the cases are classified by the Working Group as originating in
the State where the alleged disappearance occurred, or where the disappeared person was last
seen by a reliable witness.
Cooperation between the Group and the Governments concerned is essential for the
clarification of cases of disappearance. Moreover, experience demonstrates that when
Governments take steps internally to create or strengthen independent bodies in order to clarify
cases of disappearance, highly positive results are possible.
Nonetheless, the crucial prior action can be equated with effective preventive measures,
such as those provided for in the Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced
Disappearance of 1992 and the Inter-American Convention on Forced Disappearance of Persons
of 1994.
Turning to consideration of preventive measures, the Group highlights the following:
accessible and updated registries of detainees; guaranteed access to appropriate information and
to places of detention for relatives and lawyers of persons deprived of their liberty; ensuring that
persons are brought before a judicial authority promptly following detention, bringing to justice
all persons accused of having committed acts of enforced disappearances, guaranteeing their trial
only by competent civilian courts and ensuring that they do not benefit from any special amnesty
law or other similar measures likely to provide exemption from criminal proceedings or
sanctions; and providing redress and adequate compensation to victims and their families. It is
evident from the foregoing that the Working Group is convinced that ending impunity for the
perpetrators of enforced or involuntary disappearances is a circumstance pivotal, not only to the
pursuit ofjustice, but to effective prevention.
Severe constraints in staff resources of the Working Group has profoundly affected the
implementation of its mandate, impeding consideration of more than 3,000 new cases, analysing
over 12,000 replies provided by Governments and 200 comments thereon submitted by the
sources. Over the past 10 years, the Working Group has drawn attention to the increasingly
difficult circumstances in which the secretariat is called upon to function. If no solution is found
to the staffing crisis, the Working Group is deeply concerned that it will cease to function as an
effective instrument of the Commission on Human Rights.
Despite these circumstances, during the period under review, an exceptional effort on the
part of the staff servicing the Working Group has enabled the processing of information relating
to a total of some 7,908 cases. This includes the continued processing of a backlog carried over
from 2000 and 2001 in respect of reports of disappearances and of replies received from
Governments. The Working Group again expresses its deep appreciation for the work of its staff
which was successfully carried out despite the acute constraints which obtained in terms both of
time and the totally inadequate level of staffing available.
Paragraphs
1 - 10
11-20 9
11-16 9
17-20 9
21-321 10
22-28 10
29-34 11
35-37 12
38-41 13
42-45 13
46-49 14
50-53 14
54-57 15
58-61 15
62-66 16
67-71 17
72-82 18
83 20
84-85 20
86-89 20
90-93 21
94-97 21
98-102 22
103 - 106 23
107-111 23
112-119 24
Page
7
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 4
CONTENTS
Introduction
ACTIVITIES OF THE WORKING GROUP ON ENFORCED
OR INVOLUNTARY DISAPPEARANCES IN 2002
A. Meetings and missions of the Working Group
B. Communications
II. INFORMATION CONCERNING ENFORCED OR
INVOLUNTARY DISAPPEARANCES IN VARIOUS
COUNTRIES, AND THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY
REVIEWED BY THE WORKING GROUP
Algeria
Argentina
Bangladesh
Belarus
Brazil
BurkinaFaso
Burundi
Cameroon
Chad
Chile
China
Colombia
Cyprus
Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Ethiopia
Guatemala
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 5
CONTENTS ( continued)
Paragraphs Page
Honduras 120 - 124 25
India 125 - 135 26
Indonesia 136 - 141 28
Iran (Islamic Republic of) 142 - 147 29
Iraq 148 - 152 30
Japan 153-155 31
Jordan 156- 159 31
Kuwait 160 - 163 32
Lebanon 164 - 169 32
Malaysia 170 - 173 33
Mexico 174 - 184 34
Morocco 185 - 191 36
Myanmar 192 - 196 37
Nepal 197-204 37
Nicaragua 205 - 208 39
Nigeria 209-212 39
Pakistan 213 -218 40
Peru 219-224 41
Philippines 225 - 232 42
Russian Federation 233 - 237 43
Rwanda 238-241 44
Saudi Arabia 242 - 245 45
Spain 246 - 247 45
Sri Lanka 248-255 46
Sudan 256 - 259 47
Syrian Arab Republic 260 - 264 48
Thailand 265 - 268 48
Timor-Leste 269 - 271 49
Tunisia 272 - 275 50
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 6
CONTENTS ( continued)
Paragraphs Page
Turkey 276 - 282 50
Ukraine 283-286 51
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 287 - 288 52
United States of America 289 - 291 52
Uruguay 292 - 296 53
Uzbekistan 297 - 300 54
Venezuela 301 - 304 54
Yemen 305-311 55
Yugoslavia 312-314 56
Zimbabwe 315 -318 56
Palestinian Authority 319-321 57
III. COUNTRIES Th1 WHICH ALL REPORTED CASES OF
DISAPPEARANCE HAVE BEEN CLARIFIED 322 57
Angola 322 57
IV. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 323 - 330 58
V. ADOPTION OF THE REPORT AND SEPARATE OPTh1ION
OFONEMEMBEROFTHEWORKINGGROUP 331 -332 59
Annexes
I. Decisions on individual cases taken by the Working Group
during 2002 61
II. Statistical summary: cases of enforced or involuntary disappearances
reported to the Working Group between 1980 and 2002 62
III. Graphs showing the development of disappearances in countries
with more than 100 transmitted cases during the period 1973-2002
68
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 7
Introduction
1. The present report of the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances is
submitted pursuant to Commission on Human Rights resolution 2002/4 1, entitled “Question of
enforced or involuntary disappearances”. 1 In addition to the specific tasks entrusted to the
Working Group by the Commission in this resolution, the Group has also taken into account
other mandates stemming from a number of resolutions adopted by the Commission, entrusted to
all special rapporteurs and working groups, all of which have been given due attention and
consideration by the Working Group in the course of 2002.
2. The core mandate of the Working Group, as stipulated in Commission on Human Rights
resolution 20 (XXXVI) of 29 February 1980 and as developed by the Commission in subsequent
resolutions, is to act as a channel of communication between families of the disappeared persons
and the Governments concerned, with a view to ensuring that sufficiently documented and
clearly identified individual cases are investigated and the whereabouts of the disappeared
persons clarified. In this connection, it should be noted that the crime of enforced disappearance
as defined in the Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance 2 is
considered a continuous crime until the fate or whereabouts of the disappeared person become
known.
3. The Working Group's role ends when the fate and whereabouts of the missing person
have been clearly established as a result of investigations by the Government or the family,
irrespective of whether that person is alive or dead. Any reply of the Government containing
detailed information on the fate and whereabouts of the disappeared person is transmitted to the
source. If the source does not respond within six months of the date on which the Government's
reply was communicated to it, or if it contests the Government's information on grounds which
are considered unreasonable by the Working Group, the case is considered clarified.
4. Since its inception, the Working Group has analysed thousands of cases of disappearance
and other information received from Governments and non-governmental organizations,
individuals and other sources of information worldwide in order to ascertain whether the issues
raised fall under the Working Group's mandate and contains the required elements to open a
case. The Working Group then enters the case into its database; transmits it to the Government
concerned, requesting it to carry out investigations and to inform the Group of the results;
forwards the reply received from the Government to the relatives or other sources; follows up on
investigations carried out by the Government concerned, as well as on the inquiries made by the
relatives or other agencies or organizations; maintains a considerable correspondence with the
Government and the sources of information in order to obtain details on the case as well as on
the investigations; and examines allegations of a general nature concerning specific countries
with regard to the phenomenon of disappearances.
5. In addition to its original mandate, the Working Group has been entrusted by the
Commission with various other tasks. More specifically, the Working Group is to monitor
States' compliance with their obligations deriving from the Declaration. It has taken the
Declaration into account, particularly, in adopting observations on individual countries. These
country-specific observations have been prepared on all countries with more than 100 alleged
cases of disappearance.
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 8
6. The total number of cases transmitted by the Working Group to Governments since the
Group's inception stands at 49,855. The total number of cases being kept under active
consideration, as they have not yet been clarified or discontinued, now stands at 41,618. Over
the past five years the Working Group has managed to clarify 5,255 cases. In 2002, the number
of countries with outstanding cases of alleged disappearance was 78.
7. During the period under review, the Working Group transmitted 120 new cases of
disappearance in 24 countries, 63 of which allegedly occurred in 2002. As in previous years, the
Working Group has continued to apply the urgent action procedure in cases that allegedly
occurred within three months preceding the receipt of the report by the Group. During 2002, the
Working Group transmitted 65 cases under its urgent action procedure. During 2002, the
Working Group clarified a total of 302 cases of enforced disappearance, of which Sudan
accounted for 198 cases.
8. As in the past, the present report reflects only communications or cases examined before
the last day of the third annual session of the Working Group, namely 13 November 2002.
Those responses from Governments received after that date will be reflected in the next report of
the Working Group as also will the urgent action cases which may have to be dealt with between
the last day of its session and the end of the year. In respect of newly reported cases and general
allegations transmitted by the Working Group after 15 September 2002, in accordance with its
methods of work, it must be understood that the Government could not respond prior to the
adoption of the present report.
9. At the time of writing, the existing backlog of information that must be processed prior to
its consideration by the Working Group relates to over 15,750 cases, of which some 3,000
comprise reports of disappearances; approximately 12,550 represent replies from Governments
to outstanding cases, and over 200 are observations submitted by the sources. Furthermore, the
Working Group's decisions handed down at its sixty-third, sixty-fourth, sixty-fifth, sixty-sixth
and sixty-seventh sessions, including reminders on outstanding cases in 10 countries, remain to
be conveyed to the respective Governments. This backlog has an inhibiting effect on the
accurate representation and evaluation of the effective number of cases in the Working Group's
files. Hence, for certain countries, the figures reflected in the present report are being reviewed
for accuracy.
10. Moreover, acute constraints in staff resources have delayed the processing of incoming
information from sources and replies from Governments. During the period under review, an
exceptional effort on the part of the staff servicing the Working Group has enabled a total in
excess of 9,000 cases to be processed this year: This includes the continued processing of a
backlog carried over from 2000 and 2001 relating to 2,350 reports of cases and to 5,558 replies
received from Governments during the same period. The Working Group again expresses its
deep appreciation for the work of its staff, which was successfully carried out despite the severe
limitations which obtained in terms both of time and the totally inadequate level of staffing
available.
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 9
I. ACTIVITIES OF THE WORKING GROUP ON ENFORCED
OR INVOLUNTARY DISAPPEARANCES IN 2002
A. Meetings and missions of the Working Group
11. The Working Group held three sessions in 2002. The sixty-sixth session was held in
Geneva from 6 to 7 May, the sixty-seventh session was held in New York from 19 to 22 August
and the sixty-eighth session was held at Geneva from 4 to 13 November.
12. The Working Group continues to apply Commission on Human Rights
decision 2000/109, adopted on 26 April 2000, on enhancing the effectiveness of the
mechanisms of the Commission, that a turnover of its membership be accomplished in
incremental steps over a three-year transition period. In accordance with this decision,
Agha Hilaly (Pakistan) and Jonas Foli (Ghana) resigned in 2000, and were replaced by
Anuar Zainal Abidin (Malaysia) and M'Bayo Adekanye (Nigeria), Manfred Nowak (Austria)
resigned in 2001 and was replaced by Stephen Toope (Canada).
13. During its 2002 sessions, the Working Group met with representatives of the
Governments of Egypt, India, Japan, Mexico, Uruguay and Yemen. The Group also met with
representatives of human rights organizations, associations of relatives of missing persons and
families or witnesses directly concerned with reports of enforced disappearance.
14. On 26 September 2001, the Government of Colombia reiterated its invitation
of 30 March 1995 to the Working Group to visit the country. The Working Group accepted
the invitation and a mutually convenient date is being sought.
15. By letter dated 19 November 1997, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran
invited the Working Group to visit that country. The Working Group accepted the invitation and
a mutually convenient date is being sought.
16. The Government of Algeria has not yet responded to the interest expressed by the
Working Group, in August 2000, to visit the country. To date the Working Group has received
no reply from the Government of Iraq to its letter dated 21 July 1995 requesting a visit.
B. Communications
17. During the period under review, the Working Group transmitted 120 new cases of
enforced or involuntary disappearance to the Governments of Algeria, Argentina, China,
Colombia, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan,
Lebanon, Mexico, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, the Russian Federation, Rwanda, Spain,
Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland,
the United States of America and Zimbabwe.
18. Sixty-five of these cases were sent by the Working Group under the urgent action
procedure to the Governments of Algeria, Argentina, China, Colombia, Guatemala, India,
Indonesia, Iran, Mexico, Nepal, the Russian Federation, Turkey and the United States
of America. Of the newly reported cases, 63 allegedly occurred in 2002, and relate to Algeria,
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 10
Argentina, China, Colombia, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Iran, Mexico, Nepal, the Philippines,
the Russian Federation, Tunisia and the United States of America. During the same period, the
Working Group clarified 302 cases in the following countries: Algeria, Angola, Cameroon,
China, Colombia, Guatemala, Indonesia, Iran, Mexico, Nepal, Pakistan, the Sudan, Turkey,
Ukraine and Yugoslavia.
19. As in previous years, the Working Group received reports and expressions of concern
from non-governmental organizations, associations of relatives of disappeared persons and from
individuals about the safety of persons actively engaged in the search for missing persons, in
reporting cases of disappearance or in the investigation of cases. In some countries, the mere
fact of reporting a disappearance entailed a serious risk to the life or security of the person
making the report or to his or her family members. In addition, individuals, relatives of missing
persons and members of human rights organizations were frequently harassed and threatened
with death for reporting cases of human rights violations or investigating such cases.
20. The Working Group continues to address itself to the ever-increasing number of
United Nations field operations with human rights components and field offices of the Office of
the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in an effort to take
advantage of their unique position on the ground in order to improve its information flow with
regard to disappearances.
II. INFORMATION CONCERNING ENFORCED OR IN VOLUNTARY
DISAPPEARANCES IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES AND THE
PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY REVIEWED BY THE WORKING
GROUP
21. During the period under review, the Working Group received no new information
concerning Afghanistan, Cambodia, the Congo, Dominican Republic, Eritrea, Greece, Guinea,
Haiti, Israel, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Mauritania,
Mozambique, Namibia, Paraguay, Seychelles, Tajikistan, Togo, Uganda, as well as the
Palestinian Authority (see previous report of the Working Group, E/CN.4/2002/79).
Algeria
22. During the period under review, the Working Group transmitted 13 new cases of
disappearance to the Government of Algeria, of which 1 reportedly occurred in 2002 and was
sent under the urgent action procedure. At the same time, the Working Group retransmitted
11 cases updated with new information from the source. Subsequently, the Working Group
clarified the case transmitted under the urgent action procedure on the basis of information
provided by the source to the effect that the person concerned had been brought before a judge
and placed under preventive detention. It also clarified two other cases on the basis of
information provided by the Government that the persons concerned had been released and were
living at the address provided, and on which no observations were received from the source.
Regarding the newly reported cases transmitted after 15 September 2002, in accordance with its
methods of work, it must be understood that the Government could not respond prior to the
adoption of the present report.
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 11
23. The majority of the 1,115 cases of disappearance reported in the past, occurred
between 1993 and 1997, throughout the country, and concern workers, peasants, farmers,
employees, traders, technicians, students, medical doctors, journalists, university professors, civil
servants, as well as a member of the Parliament. Whereas most of the victims had no particular
political activity, a number of the persons concerned were reportedly members or sympathizers
of the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS). The disappearances were attributed to the army, the
security services, the police, civil defence forces or the militia.
24. The newly reported cases reportedly occurred between 1994 and 1997 in various parts of
the country and concern persons of all ages, from various professional backgrounds including
peasants, small commercial traders, peasants and public administration employees. Most of the
disappearances reportedly occurred following arrest at home or at work and were allegedly
carried out by members of the army, the security services, the gendarmerie, the police and civil
defence forces.
25. During the period under review, the Government provided information on 12 outstanding
cases: in 8 cases, investigations had been carried out but the persons concerned were not
located; in 3 cases, the persons concerned were sought by security services for involvement in
acts of terrorism; and in 1 other case, the person was released after investigations.
26. Of the 16 cases clarified by the Working Group, 9 were clarified on the basis of
information provided by the Government and 7 on the basis of information provided by the
source. During the period under review, the secretariat of the Working Group was unable to
send out reminders, in accordance with its methods of work, in respect of 1,089 outstanding
cases transmitted in the past. The Working Group is, therefore, unable to report on the fate and
whereabouts of the persons concerned.
Observations
27. The Working Group expresses its thanks to the Government of Algeria for the
information that it has submitted during this year. The Group wishes to remind the Government
of its obligation under article 13 of the Declaration to continue to conduct investigations for as
long as the fate and whereabouts of the victims of enforced disappearance remain unclarified.
28. The Working Group reiterates to the Government its obligation under the Declaration to
prevent and to terminate all acts of enforced disappearance.
Argentina
29. During the period under review, seven new cases which occurred in 2002 were
transmitted by the Working Group to the Government of Argentina and were sent under
the urgent action procedure. Regarding the newly reported cases transmitted after
15 September 2002, in accordance with its methods of work, it must be understood that the
Government could not respond prior to the adoption of the present report.
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 12
30. The vast majority of the 3,455 reported cases of disappearance transmitted in the past
occurred between 1975 and 1978 under the military Government, in the context of its
campaign against left-wing guerrillas and their alleged sympathizers. One case concerns the
son of an Uruguayan refugee who reportedly disappeared in 1976 in Argentina, at the time,
the 20-day-old infant was allegedly taken away from his mother when she was arrested during a
joint operation by the Argentine and Uruguayan police forces. (See also section on Uruguay,
paragraphs 292-296.) Two cases occurred in 2000 and concern persons allegedly arrested in
the city of Mendoza by members of the local Police Investigation Office (Dirección de
Investigaciones de la Policla).
31. The newly reported cases concern persons who were allegedly detained at the end of a
demonstration in San Salvador de Jujuy during a confrontation between the demonstrators and
the police.
32. During the period under review, the Uruguayan Commission for Peace (Coinisiónpara
la Paz) provided information on an outstanding case concerning a citizen of Uruguay who
reportedly disappeared in Buenos Aires in 1976.
33. In the past, the Working Group clarified 78 cases, of which 43 were clarified on the basis
of information provided by the Government and 35 others on the basis of information provided
by the source. In respect of the 3,384 outstanding cases transmitted in the past, the Working
Group is unable to report on the fate and whereabouts of the persons concerned.
Observations
34. The Working Group expresses grave concern that more than 3,000 outstanding cases
remain unelucidated more than 20 years after the alleged disappearances occurred.
Bangladesh
35. During the period under review, no new cases of disappearance were transmitted to the
Government of Bangladesh.
36. The one reported case of disappearance reportedly occurred in 1996 and concerns the
organizing secretary of the Hill Women's Federation, an organization campaigning for the rights
of the indigenous people in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. She was allegedly abducted by security
personnel prior to the 1996 general elections - an action believed to be linked to her support to a
parliamentary candidate representing the interests of indigenous people.
37. During the period under review, the Government provided information on the case: her
family and neighbours had denied that she had been abducted by members of the armed forces,
and subsequent investigations, including those conducted by non-governmental organizations,
had revealed that she had left the country of her own accord. Information on her current
whereabouts was provided by the Government. The Working Group decided to apply the
six-month rule to this case.
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 13
Belarus
38. During the period under review, no new cases of disappearance were transmitted to the
Government of Belarus.
39. The three reported cases of disappearances occurred in 1999 and concern a former
member of the Supreme Soviet and member of an opposition political party who was reportedly
abducted together with a former Minister for Internal Affairs who had been actively involved in
the presidential campaign of an opposition leader.
40. During the period under review, the Government provided information in respect of the
three outstanding cases: the law enforcement authorities are pursuing several theories, including
the theory that unlawful actions were committed against the persons concerned. The
Government gave the assurance that all possible efforts are being made to enquire into the facts
of the cases and that additional information will be provided to the Working Group as soon as
this becomes available.
41. In respect of the three outstanding cases, the Working Group is unable to report on the
fate and whereabouts of the persons concerned.
Brazil
42. During the period under review, no new cases of disappearance were transmitted by the
Working Group to the Government of Brazil.
43. The majority of the 57 cases of disappearance reported to the Working Group occurred
between 1969 and 1975, under the military Government and, more specifically, during the
guerrilla warfare in the Aerugo region. The majority of those cases were clarified by the
Working Group in 1996 on the basis of legal provisions (law No. 9.140/95), whereby persons
missing by reason of their political activities in the 196 1-1979 period are considered to have
died. Relatives of the victims are legally entitled to decline or exercise the right to request death
certificates. Recognition of the victim's death carried the automatic entitlement to compensation
by the State.
44. During the period under review, the Government informed the Working Group that
Brazil had ratified the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Furthermore, a working
group of the Ministry of Justice had been established to elaborate the complementary legislation
necessary to ensure the enforcement of the Rome Statute on Brazilian territory.
45. In the past, the Working Group clarified 49 cases, of which 45 were clarified on the basis
of information provided by the Government and 4 on the basis of information provided by the
source. No new information was received from the Government with regard to the eight
outstanding cases. The Working Group is, therefore, unable to report on the fate and
whereabouts of the persons concerned.
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 14
Burkina Faso
46. During the period under review, no new cases of disappearance were transmitted by the
Working Group to the Government of Burkina Faso.
47. The three cases of disappearance reported to the Working Group concern two soldiers
and a university professor allegedly arrested in 1989, together with 27 other persons, on charges
of having participated in a conspiracy against the Government.
48. Concern was expressed by non-governmental organizations about the prevailing
impunity in the country. It is alleged that the authorities have failed to bring to justice members
of the Regiment de la sécuritéprésidentielle suspected of serious human rights violations. These
allegations were recently transmitted to the Government which has not yet had an opportunity to
respond.
49. Despite a number of reminders, no information has ever been received by the Working
Group from the Government regarding the three outstanding cases. The Working Group is,
therefore, unable to report on the fate and whereabouts of the disappeared persons.
Burundi
50. During the period under review, no new cases were transmitted by the Working Group to
the Government of Burundi.
51. The majority of the 53 cases of disappearance reported to the Working Group occurred
in Bujumbura between November and December 1991, following attacks against the
Government in the capital and north-western provinces of Cibitoke and Bubanza, as well as in
September 1994 in Kamenge and Cibitoke, suburbs of Bujumbura. Thirty-one cases concern
persons of Hutu origin who were reportedly arrested by members of the security forces, in large
part composed of members of the Tutsi minority. Other cases allegedly concern Hutus, most of
whom were reportedly assembled and held by members of the security forces in Bujumbura,
Kamenge suburb, and then taken away to an unknown destination. Some of the reported cases
occurred between 1995 and 1997.
52. Concern was expressed by non-governmental organizations about an increase in cases of
enforced disappearances of persons suspected, often arbitrarily, of having links to the National
Liberation Forces (Forces nationales pour la libé ration (FNL)), an armed opposition group
which did not sign the peace agreement in August 2000 between the Government, political
parties and certain armed opposition groups involved in the country's civil war. It is alleged that
the armed forces continue to act with apparent impunity, and those arrested on suspicion of links
with the armed opposition, including children, are often held incommunicado by the military in
unauthorized places of detention. These allegations were recently transmitted to the Government
which has not yet had an opportunity to respond.
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 15
53. In the past, the Working Group clarified one case, on the basis of information provided
by the source. Despite a number of reminders, no information has ever been received by the
Working Group from the Government regarding the 52 outstanding cases. The Working Group
is, therefore, still unable to report on the fate and whereabouts of the persons concerned.
Cameroon
54. During the period under review, no new cases of disappearance were transmitted by the
Working Group to the Government of Cameroon. During the same period, the Working Group
clarified three cases on the basis of the information provided by the Government certifying to the
release of the persons concerned from the Yaoundé Central Prison, on which no observations
were received from the source.
55. Of the 18 cases of disappearance reported to the Working Group in the past, 6 were
reported to have occurred in 1992, including 5 youths aged 13 to 17. The father of three of the
youths allegedly disappeared after making inquiries as to the whereabouts of his children. Three
cases reported to have occurred in 1999 concern members of the Southern Cameroon National
Council who were allegedly detained by members of the Mbango National Gendarmerie
Brigade. Nine cases concern adolescents who were reportedly arrested by security forces
in 2001 in Douala on suspicion of theft of a neighbour's cooking gas bottle and transferred to a
detention facility in Bonanjo-Douala belonging to the Operational Command.
56. Concern was expressed by non-governmental organizations about the increase in the
number of enforced disappearances after January 2002, allegedly brought about by the
Coininandeinent operationnel (CO), a special security force set up in 2000 by the Government to
combat armed robbery in Douala and Yaoundé. It is alleged that the findings of an internal
inquiry conducted by the Government in April, following growing public protest, have not been
made public. These allegations were recently transmitted to the Government which has not yet
had an opportunity to respond.
57. In the past, the Working Group clarified one case on the basis of information provided by
the Government. No new information was received from the Government with regard to
the 14 outstanding cases. The Working Group is, therefore, unable to report on the fate and
whereabouts of the persons concerned.
Chad
58. During the period under review, no new cases of disappearance were transmitted by the
Working Group to the Government of Chad.
59. Of the 13 reported cases of disappearance, 1 occurred in 1983, 5 in 1991, 6 in 1996 and 1
in 1999. One case concerns a member of the Democratic National Union who was reportedly
taken prisoner in July 1983 in the context of clashes in Faya-Largeau between government
troops and opposition forces. Five cases concern members of the Hadjerai ethnic group who
were allegedly arrested in October 1991 by the Chadian security forces, following
an announcement that an attempt by a section of the Chadian armed forces to overthrow
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 16
President Idriss Deby had been thwarted. Six other cases concern members of armed opposition
groups allegedly arrested by the Sudanese security forces in 1996 at El Geneina, Sudan, near the
Chadian border, and handed over to the Chadian security forces. They were allegedly
transferred to N'Djamena by members of the Agence nat/onale de sécur/té. One other case
concerns a person who was arrested in N'Djamena, in 1999, by members of the Groupeinent de
la sécur/té prés/dent/elle.
60. Concern was expressed by non-governmental organizations about the occurrence of
enforced disappearances in the context of the Government's counter-insurgency operations
against the Movement for Democracy and Justice in Chad Mouveinent pour la Democrat/c et la
Just/ce au Tchad (MDJT)), an armed opposition group operating in northern Chad. These
allegations were recently transmitted to the Government which has not yet had an opportunity to
respond.
61. In the past, the Working Group clarified one case on the basis of information provided by
the Government. No new information was received from the Government with regard to
the 12 outstanding cases. The Working Group is, therefore, unable to report on the fate and
whereabouts of the persons concerned.
Chile
62. During the period under review, no new cases of disappearance were transmitted by the
Working Group to the Government of Chile.
63. The vast majority of the 912 reported cases of disappearance occurred between 1973
and 1976 under the military Government and concern political opponents of the military
dictatorship from various social strata, most of them activists in Chilean left-wing parties. Those
responsible for the disappearance were allegedly members of the army, the air force, the
carab/neros and persons acting with the acquiescence of the authorities.
64. In the past, the Working Group clarified 68 cases, of which 45 were clarified on the
basis of information provided by the Government and 23 others on the basis of information
provided by the source. No new information was received from the Government with regard to
the 844 outstanding cases. The Working Group is, therefore, unable to report on the fate and
whereabouts of the persons concerned.
Observations
65. The Working Group expresses grave concern that over 800 outstanding cases remain
unelucidated more than 20 years after the alleged disappearances occurred.
66. The Working Group expresses the hope that the Government and the relatives will take
steps to clarify the outstanding cases and, if applicable, implement the provisions of article 19 of
the Declaration, thus entitling both victims and relatives to compensation.
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 17
China
67. During the period under review, two new cases of disappearance were transmitted by the
Working Group to the Government of China, of which one occurred in 2002 and was sent under
the urgent action procedure. At the same time, the Working Group clarified five cases on the
basis of information provided by the Government that the persons concerned were either in
detention or at liberty at the address provided, on which no observations were received from the
source.
68. Most of the 106 cases of disappearance reported to the Working Group in the past are
said to have occurred between 1988 and 1990, or between 1995 and 1996. The majority of these
cases concern Tibetans, 19 of them monks who were allegedly arrested in Nepal and handed
over to the Chinese authorities. Other cases concern persons who reportedly disappeared
following celebrations to mark the thirtieth anniversary of the founding of the Tibet Autonomous
Region. Eleven cases concern Falun Gong practitioners who were allegedly arrested or abducted
in 2000 and 2001 by police, security services or local administrative officials. One other case
concerns an autistic boy who reportedly disappeared in 2000 after having been questioned by
Hong Kong immigration officers.
69. The newly reported cases concern a woman who was allegedly arrested in 2001 for being
a Falun Gong practitioner; and a Chinese citizen legally residing in the United States of America
who was allegedly detained and held incommunicado by persons believed to belong to the
Ministry of Public Security.
70. During the period under review, the Government provided information on two
outstanding cases. In one case, the person concerned had, in accordance with the laws of the
country, been assigned to 18 months of re-education through labour, and is regularly visited by
her family. Information on her current whereabouts was provided. The Working Group decided
to apply the six-month rule to this case. In another case, the Government informed the Working
Group that investigations have established that the person concerned, originally from China,
formerly employed at Beijing Normal University, had left for the United States in 1986 and is
currently resident in Boston. On 19 April 2002, travelling on a borrowed passport under the
name “Rao Qing” (Passport No. TCHN1473 15384), he arrived on flight UA851 and illegally
entered China from Beijing airport. He then proceeded to carry out activities in China using a
forged identity document. His activities were in breach of the Chinese criminal code.
On 21 June, following the issue of an arrest warrant by the second division of the Beijing city
people's procurator's office, he was arrested by the Beijing public security authorities and, in
accordance with legal procedure, his family was duly notified of his arrest and his case is
currently being heard at first instance. The Chinese Government is of the opinion that the
present case has nothing to do with the issue of “enforced or involuntary disappearances”.
71. Of the 69 cases clarified by the Working Group, 60 were clarified on the basis of
information provided by the Government and 9 on the basis of information provided by the
source. In a majority of cases clarified on the basis of information provided by the Government,
the persons concerned were living at liberty at the address that was provided. In respect
of 38 outstanding cases, the Working Group is unable to report on the fate and whereabouts of
the persons concerned.
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 18
Colombia
72. During the period under review, the Working Group transmitted 14 new cases of
disappearance to the Government of Colombia, of which 9 reportedly occurred in 2002; all cases
were sent under the urgent action procedure. Subsequently, the Working Group clarified two of
these cases on the basis of information provided by the source that the bodies of the persons
concerned had been found with signs of torture, and that they had been returned to the family for
burial. At the same time, the Working Group clarified one other case on the basis of information
provided by the Government that the person was at liberty; the source confirmed that he had
been returned to his family by the paramilitaries. During the same period, the Working Group
retransmitted to the Government one case updated with new information from the source.
Regarding the cases transmitted after September 2002, in accordance with its methods of work, it
must be understood that the Government could not respond prior to the adoption of the present
report.
73. The majority of the 1,114 cases of disappearance reported in the past occurred
since 1981, in particular in those regions where the level of violence is highest. In a large
number of these cases, those responsible were allegedly members of paramilitary groups whose
actions were believed to be undertaken with the complicity or acquiescence of members of the
security forces, very often in areas of heavy military presence.
74. Eleven of the 14 newly reported cases of disappearance concern persons allegedly
abducted by members of paramilitary groups, mainly by Autodefensas Un/c/as de Colombia
(AUC), stated to have been acting in acquiescence with the army. In most cases, the abductions
are reported to have occurred when the persons concerned were travelling, primarily in the
departments of Antioquia, Arauca, Santander and Bolivar. Among those abducted was a
member of the Colombian Trade Union Confederation (Central Un/tar/a de Trabajadores
(CUT)); a leader of displaced peasants from La Ciénaga del Opón; members of the Peace
Community of San José de Apartadó and of the communities along the Cacarica River; two
craftsmen; and a 16-year-old youth.
75. The Working Group called to the Government's attention the harassment and
intimidation to which a lawyer was being subjected: reportedly, a direct consequence of his
involvement in several penal proceedings against members of security forces who were allegedly
responsible for cases of forced disappearances. During the period under review, the Government
informed the Working Group that, following a request from the Inter-American Court of Human
Rights for provisional measures, the Committee for Regulation and Risk Evaluation had
approved the provision of an individual armed bodyguard and a bullet-proof car to ensure his
protection; the National Police Force (Pol/cla Nac/onal) had also initiated an examination of the
security conditions in his office.
76. Concern was expressed by several non-governmental organizations on what was
described as 100 per cent increase in the number of forced disappearances in the country over the
last two years. The civilian populations of several regions, in particular those of the Meta
Department, the Cacarica River basin area or the San José de Apartadó Peace Community in the
Department of Antioquia, are reportedly frequently accused by security forces and paramilitary
groups of being members of the guerrilla movement, sympathizers or collaborators. Reportedly,
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 19
such accusations often lead to serious human rights abuses, including intimidation, reprisals and
often to disappearance or summary execution. More specifically, grave concern was expressed
about the alleged targeting of leaders or members of trade union organizations and their relatives
who have reportedly been declared a military target. It alleged that they are being systematically
subjected to harassment, intimidation and retaliation, which are followed by forced
disappearance and summary execution. These allegations were recently transmitted to the
Government which has not yet had an opportunity to respond.
77. During the period under review, the Government disagreed with allegations that there
was a link between paramilitary groups and the military, and requested that such accusations be
substantiated with concrete evidence. State policy is to openly oppose all types of marginal
groups operating in breach of the law. The Government also provided detailed information on
the various measures taken to protect the life and integrity of all those persons belonging to trade
unions, members of the Peace Community of San José de Apartadó as well as the inhabitants of
the Cacarica River Basin area.
78. During the period under review, the Government provided information on 39 outstanding
cases. In five cases, the persons concerned had been found dead: in three of these cases, the
bodies had been identified, and in two cases information had been requested from the
Attorney-General's Office on the investigations. In four cases, the persons concerned had been
abducted, one of them by the Autodefensas Un/c/as de Colombia and subsequently released or
had managed to escape; one had been freed and transferred to a delegation of the International
Committee of the Red Cross. Most of the other replies stated detailed information on the steps
taken by judicial or administrative authorities. In some cases, the Government reported that
investigations had been suspended by the judicial authorities due to the lack of new information.
In respect of cases, the Government stated that the complete identity of the persons concerned,
the perpetrators and/or motives were needed to allow further inquiries. In two cases, the
Prosecutor's office had no knowledge of the case; the files had been completely destroyed in a
fire.
79. Of the 261 cases clarified by the Working Group, 199 were clarified on the basis of
information provided by the Government and 60 on the basis of information provided by the
source. During the period under review, the secretariat of the Working Group was unable to
send out reminders, in accordance with its methods of work, in respect of the 867 outstanding
cases. The Working Group is unable to report on the fate and whereabouts of the persons
concerned.
Observations
80. The Working Group wishes to express its appreciation to the Government of Colombia
for its cooperation during the period under review. It is deeply concerned about the effect of the
internal conflict in Colombia on the overall human rights situation. The level of violence has not
diminished, and disappearances have continued to occur during the period under review.
81. The Working Group wishes to remind the Government of its continuing responsibility to
conduct thorough and impartial investigations “for as long as the fate of the victim of enforced
disappearance remains unclarified”, in accordance with article 13 (6) of the Declaration.
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 20
82. The Working Group urges the Colombian authorities to do everything in their power to
ensure the safety of relatives and witnesses, in accordance with article 13 (3).
Cyprus
83. As in the past, the Working Group continues to remain available to assist, as appropriate,
the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus (CMP), established at the request of the
General Assembly in its resolutions 32/128 of 16 December 1977 and 33/1 72
of 20 December 1978, in the fulfilment of its duties.
Democratic People's Republic of Korea
84. During the period under review, the Working Group transmitted, for the first time, one
new case of disappearance to the Government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
This case was only recently transmitted by the Working Group and, in accordance with its
methods of work, it must be understood that the Government could not respond prior to the
adoption of the present report.
85. The newly reported case concerns a Japanese national who was allegedly abducted in
Japan in 1977 by security agents of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and was last
seen in that country. In accordance with its methods of work, the Working Group sent a copy of
the case to the Government of Japan. Seven other cases allegedly occurred in Japan, Spain
and in the United Kingdom (see also sections on Japan, paragraphs 153-155, Spain,
paragraphs 246-247, and the United Kingdom, paragraphs 287-288).
Democratic Republic of the Congo
86. During the period under review, no new cases of disappearance were transmitted by the
Working Group to the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
87. The majority of the 51 reported cases of disappearance concern, on the one hand, persons
suspected either of being members of the guerrilla group, Parti de la revolution populaire, or
political activists who disappeared between 1975 and 1985, and, on the other hand, Rwandan
refugees who disappeared in 1998. Other cases include a journalist who was allegedly abducted
in 1993 by members of the Div/s/on spécialeprésidentielle and the civil guard; four men who
were allegedly arrested in Likasi in 1994 by soldiers; two villagers from Kitshanga who were
reportedly arrested in 1996 by members of the Zairian Armed Forces; a man said to have been
arrested in 1996 by members of the Service for Action and Military Intelligence (Service
d'actions et de renseignements inilitaires); a professor who was allegedly arrested by members
of the Rwandan Patriotic Army (see also section on Rwanda, paragraphs 238-241); and a
clergyman.
88. Concern was expressed by non-governmental organizations on an alleged practice of
enforced disappearance as part of a policy of repression against political opponents, human
rights defenders and students. Responsibility was imputed to the Governments, police, armed
forces and the intelligence services of the Great Lake region. It is alleged that detainees from
Kivu are held incommunicado in various locations in Kinshasa, including the Kokolo military
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 21
barracks; detention centres run by the Detect/on ni/i/ta/re des act/v/tés ant/-patr/e, or DEMIAP
(Military Detection of Unpatriotic Activities), the Groupe Litho-Moboti (GLM) building run by
the presidential guard; and the Centre pen/tent/a/re et de rééducat/on de K/nshasa, or CPRK
(Kinshasa Penitentiary and Reeducation Centre). Some are also reportedly held in unknown
locations in the south-eastern province of Katanga. Allegations were received about the practice
of impunity and “the paralysis and partiality ofthe judiciary”. These allegations were recently
transmitted to the Government, which has not yet had an opportunity to respond.
89. In the past, the Working Group clarified nine cases, of which six were clarified on the
basis of information provided by the Government and three on the basis of information
provided by the source. No new information was received from the Government with regard
to 42 outstanding cases. The Working Group is, therefore, unable to report on the fate and
whereabouts of the persons concerned.
Ecuador
90. During the period under review, no new cases of disappearance were transmitted by the
Working Group to the Government of Ecuador.
91. The majority of the 23 reported cases of disappearance occurred between 1985 and 1992
in Quito, Guayaquil and Esmeraldas and concern persons who were allegedly arrested by
members of the Criminal Investigation Service of the National Police. Three of these cases
concern children, one concerns a Colombian citizen who was reportedly detained by the army in
Portoviejo city on charges of arms-trafficking, and one concerns a student who was allegedly
abducted by members of the security forces in 2001.
92. During the period under review, the Working Group decided to revoke the six-month rule
that it had previously applied in respect of one case; it requested the Government to provide it
with the current address of the person concerned.
93. In the past, the Working Group clarified 15 cases, of which 11 were clarified on the basis
of information provided by the Government and 4 on the basis of information provided by the
source. No new information was received from the Government with regard to the eight
outstanding cases. The Working Group is, therefore, unable to report on the fate and
whereabouts of the persons concerned.
Egypt
94. During the period under review, no new cases of disappearance were transmitted by the
Working Group to the Government of Egypt.
95. Many of the 20 reported cases of disappearance occurred between 1988 and 1994, and
include alleged sympathizers of Islamic militant groups, students, a trader, a doctor and three
citizens of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya. Reportedly, the disappearances took place in the context
of a renewal of the state of emergency which allegedly gave full rein to the security forces,
without supervision or accountability. Two other cases concern Egyptian citizens arrested
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 22
in 1995 and 1996, respectively, by members of the State Security Investigation Department. A
more recent case concerns a farmer who was arrested in Mallawi together with a lawyer and
allegedly detained at the police station in Mallawi before being transferred to another detention
centre.
96. During the period under review, the Working Group met again with representatives of
the Government and engaged in an exchange of views with regard to the 12 outstanding cases.
The representatives stressed again the importance the Government attached to clarifying the
outstanding cases and reported that investigations are continuing; information would be provided
to the Working Group on the body charged with the task of investigating the outstanding cases.
97. In the past, the Working Group clarified eight cases, of which seven were clarified on the
basis of information provided by the Government and one on the basis of information provided
by the source. In respect of the 12 outstanding cases, the Working Group is unable to report on
the fate and whereabouts of the persons concerned.
El Salvador
98. During the period under review, no new cases of disappearance were transmitted by the
Working Group to the Government of El Salvador.
99. The majority of the 2,661 reported cases of disappearance occurred between 1980
and 1983, in the context of the armed conflict between the Government of El Salvador and the
Farabundo Mar 11 National Liberation Front (FMLN). Many disappeared following arrest by
uniformed soldiers or police, or abduction in death-squad style operations carried out by armed
men in civilian clothing, reportedly linked to the army or to the security forces. Abductions of
this kind were, in some cases, subsequently recognized as detentions, thus giving rise to
allegations of links with the security forces.
100. In the past, the Working Group clarified 391 cases, of which 318 were clarified on
the basis of information provided by the Government and 73 on the basis of information
provided by the source. No new information was received from the Government with regard
to 2,270 outstanding cases. The Working Group is, therefore, unable to report on the fate and
whereabouts of the persons concerned.
Observations
101. The Working Group continues to be concerned that little has been done to clarify the
more than 2,000 outstanding cases, and that no information has been received from the
Government during 2002 regarding these cases. The Working Group wishes to remind the
Government of its responsibilities under article 13 of the Declaration to conduct thorough and
impartial investigations for as long as the fate of the victim remains unclarified.
102. The Working Group expresses the hope that the Government will take steps to clarify the
outstanding cases and, if applicable, implement the provisions of article 19 of the Declaration
which entitles the victims and relatives to compensation.
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 23
Equatorial Guinea
103. During the period under review, no new cases of disappearance were transmitted by the
Working Group to the Government of Equatorial Guinea.
104. The three previously reported cases of disappearance concern members of opposition
political parties who were reportedly arrested in Malabo in 1993.
105. Concern was expressed by non-governmental organizations about detainees being held
incommunicado in Bata, Equatorial Guinea, for their alleged links with an opposition party with
no recognized legal status, the Fuerza Democrat/ca Repubi/cana, or FDR (Republican
Democratic Force). These allegations were recently transmitted to the Government which has
not yet had an opportunity to respond.
106. Despite several reminders, no information has ever been received by the Working Group
from the Government on these outstanding cases. The Working Group is, therefore, still unable
to report on the fate and whereabouts of the disappeared persons.
Ethiopia
107. During the period under review, no new cases of disappearance were transmitted by the
Working Group to the Government of Ethiopia.
108. The majority of the 114 cases of disappearance reported to the Working Group occurred
between 1991 and 1996, under the transitional Governments and concern members of the Oromo
ethnic group suspected of having participated in the Oromo Liberation Front, they were allegedly
arrested in Addis Ababa or disappeared from the Huso military detention camp in western
Ethiopia. Other cases concern members of the Ogaden National Liberation Front (a political
party) who disappeared in Region Five in eastern Ethiopia, also known as the Ogaden. One case,
which occurred in 1996, concerns an Ethiopian refugee in Djibouti who was reportedly arrested
at a refugee camp by members of the Djibouti police and handed over to the Ethiopian
authorities.
109. In the past, the Working Group clarified two cases, of which one was clarified on the
basis of information provided by the Government and one on the basis of information provided
by the source. During the period under review, the secretariat of the Working Group was unable
to send out reminders, in accordance with its methods of work, in respect of the 112 outstanding
cases. The Working Group is unable to report on the fate and whereabouts of the persons
concerned.
Observations
110. The Working Group continues to be concerned that little has been done to clarify the
more than 100 outstanding cases, and that no information has been received from the
Government during 2002 regarding these cases. The Working Group wishes to remind the
Government of its responsibilities under article 13 of the Declaration to conduct thorough and
impartial investigations for as long as the fate of the victim remains unclarified.
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 24
111. The Working Group wishes to remind the Government of Ethiopia of its obligation to
take all measures necessary to prevent further cases of disappearance, to investigate all
outstanding cases and to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Guatemala
112. During the period under review, the Working Group transmitted one new case to the
Government of Guatemala, which reportedly occurred in 2002 and was sent under the urgent
action procedure. At the same time, the Working Group clarified 63 cases on the basis of
information provided by the Government, on which no observations were received from the
source: the Government transmitted copies of official records from the civil registry attesting to
the current whereabouts or the deaths of the persons concerned.
113. The majority of the 3,151 cases of disappearance reported in the past occurred
between 1979 and 1986, mainly under the military regime and in the context of the
Government's fight against the Un/dad Revoluc/onar/a Nac/onal Guateinalteca (URNG).
On 29 December 1996, the Government of Guatemala and URNG signed the Agreement on a
Firm and Lasting Peace, in Guatemala City, thus completing the negotiating process between the
two parties. Following its signature, there have been indications of greater respect for human
rights.
114. The newly reported case concerns a 14-year-old boy who was reportedly run over by a
police patrol in Chiquimula and then taken, still alive, to the local hospital by the policemen,
the PNC Pol/cIa Nac/onal C/v/i) had allegedly reported that he had died upon arrival, but no
documentation certifying to his death was reportedly available at the hospital.
115. Concern was expressed by non-governmental organizations on the reportedly continued
impunity for past human rights abuses. Despite the human rights-related elements of the Peace
Accords signed in December 1996 and recommendations of the United Nations-sponsored
Historical Clarification Commission, the State has allegedly failed to bring to justice the
perpetrators of gross violations of human rights that occurred during the conflict years.
Furthermore, serious concern was expressed in regard to the safety of human rights activists who
are pressing for the implementation of the Peace Accords, and who are allegedly subjected to
death threats, attacks and other forms of intimidation. These allegations were recently
transmitted to the Government which has not yet had an opportunity to respond.
116. During the period under review, the Government provided information on 23 outstanding
cases. In the case of the 14-year-old boy, the Government informed that the patrol car was
unable to avoid the accident and provided further information on his transfer and death. In
respect of the remaining cases, the Government replied that official records in the civil registry
concerning the persons contained entries that post-dated their alleged disappearance: identity
cards had been renewed, a procedure which can only be conducted in person, marriages had been
contracted or divorce proceedings initiated. In one case, the Government provided an official
document signed by the person concerned stating that he had been “disappeared” for three days
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 25
following his detention by members of the security forces. In another case, the person had since
died; a copy of the death certificate was provided. In respect of all cases, the copies of the
relevant records and certificates, containing their present addresses, were furnished. In respect
of 22 cases, the Working Group decided to apply the six-month rule.
117. Of the 232 cases clarified by the Working Group, 153 were clarified on the basis of
information provided by the Government and 79 on the basis of information provided by the
source. During the period under review, the secretariat of the Working Group was unable to
send out reminders, in accordance with its methods of work, with regard to the outstanding
cases. In respect of the 2,920 outstanding cases, the Working Group is unable to report on the
fate and whereabouts of the persons concerned.
Observations
118. The Working Group wishes to express its appreciation to the Government of Guatemala
for its cooperation during the period under review. The Working Group reminds the
Government of its continuing responsibility to conduct thorough and impartial investigations
“for as long as the fate of the victim of enforced disappearance remains unclarified”, in
accordance with article 13 (6) of the Declaration. It further wishes to remind the Government
of its responsibility to “ensure that all involved in the investigation are protected against
ill-treatment, intimidation or reprisal”, in accordance with article 13 (3) of the Declaration.
119. The Working Group expresses the hope that the Government will continue to take steps
to clarify the outstanding cases and, if applicable, implement the provisions of article 19 of the
Declaration, which entitles the victims and relatives to compensation.
Honduras
120. During the period under review, no new cases of disappearance were transmitted by the
Working Group to the Government of Honduras.
121. The majority of the 202 reported cases occurred between 1981 and 1984, a period during
which members of Battalion 3-16 of the armed forces and heavily armed plain-clothes men
seized people perceived as ideological enemies, at their homes or on the street, and took them to
clandestine detention centres. Four cases reportedly occurred in 1983 and concern leaders of the
Revolutionary Party of Central American Workers-Honduras (PRTC-H), including a Jesuit
priest, who were allegedly captured by the Honduran Army; two of these persons were
reportedly citizens of the United States. Allegedly, the United States army and/or CIA
personnel, may have helped the Honduran army in the Olancho operation, in which, according to
the Honduran Army, the persons concerned were killed. A report of the Inspector-General of the
Central Intelligence Agency relating to CIA activities in Honduras in the 1980s, declassified and
released in 1998, also allegedly contains references indicating that the persons concerned were
among those summarily executed by Honduran army officers after being interrogated. (See also
section on the United States of America, paragraphs 289-291.)
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 26
122. During the period under review, the Government provided information in respect
of 11 outstanding cases. In all these cases compensation had been granted. During the same
period, the Government of the United States of America provided information on two of the
three outstanding cases that were sent to it, in accordance with the methods of work of the
Working Group: investigations conducted in 1983 by the United States Embassy in Tegucigalpa
had not been able to determine with certainty what had happened to the persons concerned. In
an effort to share to the fullest extent possible all available information on the matter, the
Government has declassified and released large quantities of documents, but it was necessary to
edit many of the released documents in order to protect intelligence sources and methods.
However, the passages that were removed contained no information that would shed further light
on what had taken place.
123. In the past, the Working Group clarified 70 cases, of which 30 were clarified on the basis
of information provided by the Government and 40 on the basis of information provided by the
source. In respect of the 132 outstanding cases, the Working Group is unable to report on the
fate and whereabouts of the persons concerned.
Observations
124. The Working Group continues to be concerned that much more needs to be done to
clarify the more than 100 outstanding cases. The Working Group wishes to remind the
Government of its responsibilities under article 13 of the Declaration to conduct thorough and
impartial investigations for as long as the fate of the victim remains unclarified.
India
125. During the period under review, the Working Group transmitted one new case of
disappearance to the Government of India, which reportedly occurred in 2002 and was sent
under the urgent action procedure.
126. The majority of the 351 cases transmitted to the Government in the past occurred
between 1983 and 2000, in the context of ethnic and religious disturbances in the Punjab and
Kashmir regions. They were primarily attributed to the police authorities, the army and
paramilitary groups acting in conjunction with, or with the acquiescence of, the armed forces. In
Kashmir, many reportedly disappeared after armed encounters with security forces. The
disappearances were allegedly related to the wide powers granted to the security forces under
emergency legislation, in particular the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Act and the Public
Security Act, which allow for both preventive detention and prolonged detention without the
many other normal safeguards available under the criminal codes. The victims have included
shopkeepers, a lawyer who was reportedly well-known for defending Sikhs detained in Punjab,
journalists, human rights activists, students and others.
127. The newly reported case concerns a human rights worker allegedly arrested by the police
for his activities in the “Movement to Save the Narmada” (Narinada Bachao A jidolan, or NBA)
of the Dhar District, opposed to the construction of dams on the river Narmada. During the
period under review, in accordance with its methods of work, the Working Group sent to the
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 27
Government of India copies of three cases concerning two journalists and a student, all members
of the Ak/ill Bharatij 'a Nepali Ekta Sainaj (All India Nepalese Unit Society), who were
reportedly arrested by the Indian Special Branch Police and handed over to Nepali
Security officials at the border, in Nepalgunj: they had been attending a meeting of the
India-Nepal People's Solidarity Organization in New Delhi. (See also section on Nepal,
paragraphs 197-204.)
128. Concern was expressed by several non-governmental organizations about the alleged
violation of human rights, including enforced disappearances, of members of communities living
along the Narmada river who oppose the construction of 30 dams along the river which, they
claim, would submerge their villages. These allegations were recently transmitted to the
Government which has not yet had an opportunity to respond.
129. During the period under review, the Working Group met with the representative of the
Government of India and engaged in an exchange of views with regard to the outstanding cases.
Referring to a letter from the Working Group in respect of 77 outstanding cases and general
allegations, the representative stated that in view of the short notice, detailed comments can be
provided only after the Group's observations have been studied by the concerned authorities. He
expressed concern over the basis on which many of the cases have been admitted by the Group.
In almost 45 cases, even the minimum required element relating to the steps taken by the family
to determine the fate of the disappeared person, and which is required by the Working Group's
methods of work, was not satisfied. In this connection, he pointed out that India has a federal
system of Government and described the various administrative and judicial institutions from
which all Indians have the right to seek assistance. There were also 38 cases in which basic data
such as the name of the father, or the date or place of alleged arrest or abduction was not
provided. Three cases had been duplicated and should be deleted. The representative strongly
urged the Group to review the cases so as to ensure that only those cases which fully conform to
its criteria be considered, and that the necessary corrections be reflected in the present Report. A
tabulated list of cases was provided.
130. During the same period, the Government transmitted a written request for additional time
for the submission of the relevant information. This was particularly important for the
outstanding cases, given their number and the nature of the cases involved, and to the fact that
many relate to incidents that took place several years ago, mainly in one particular State of India
which at that time was in the throes of a massive insurgency.
131. During the period under review, the Government provided information on the results of
its investigations into 84 outstanding cases. In four cases, the persons concerned had been
detained or taken in for questioning and subsequently released or imprisoned under the law of
the country; information on their current whereabouts was provided. The Working Group
decided to apply the six-month rule to these cases. With regard to the remaining cases, the
Government informed of the results of its investigations or that investigations were in progress
before a court of law. The Government informed that one case concerned a 1 1 /2-year-old infant.
The complaint was therefore false.
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 28
132. In the past, the Working Group clarified 50 cases, of which 40 were clarified on the basis
of information provided by the Government and 10 on the basis of information provided by the
source. In respect of the 301 outstanding cases, the Working Group is unable to report on the
fate and whereabouts of the persons concerned.
Observations
133. The Working Group wishes to express its appreciation to the Government of India for the
information provided during the course of the year and for its efforts to investigate cases of
disappearance.
134. Nevertheless, the Group remains concerned that new cases of disappearance continue to
be reported to it, and that very few cases on its files have been clarified. While understanding
the Government's efforts to combat violence, the Working Group wishes to stress that, under
article 7 of the Declaration, no circumstances whatsoever may be invoked to justify enforced
disappearances.
135. The Working Group wishes to remind the Government of India of its obligation to take
all measures necessary to prevent further cases of disappearance, to investigate all outstanding
cases and to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Indonesia
136. During the period under review, the Working Group transmitted five new cases of
disappearance to the Government of Indonesia, all of which reportedly occurred in 2002 and
were sent under the urgent action procedure.
137. The majority of the 599 cases of disappearance reported in the past allegedly occurred
in 1992 and between 1998 and 2000 in East Timor, Jakarta and Aceh; a large number concern
students involved in anti-government demonstrations in East Timor, Jakarta and Sumatra, among
them the leader of the Indonesian Students Solidarity for Democracy.
138. During the period under review, in accordance with its methods of work, the Working
Group decided to address all future communications to the Government of Timor-Leste in
respect of 454 cases of disappearance that occurred in the past in East Timor, of which 378 are
still outstanding. In accordance with its methods of work, the Working Group will also send
copies of these cases to the Government of Indonesia. It also decided to transfer these cases
from its register on the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET)
and to consider these cases under a separate section entitled “Timor-Leste” (paras. 269-27 1).
139. All the newly reported cases occurred in Aceh and allegedly involved members of the
Special Forces Command (KOPASSUS), Kostrad and police. Three cases concern trade
unionists who are also members of “Solidarity for Victims of Human Rights Abuse” (Solidaritas
Persaudaraan Korban Pellanggaran Hak Asasi Maims/a, or SPKP HAM), and one concerns the
Head of the Aceh Besar District Branch of the “Information Centre for a Referendum in Aceh”
(SIRA).
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 29
140. In the past, the Working Group clarified three cases on the basis of information
provided by the Government. During the period under review, the secretariat of the Working
Group was unable to send out reminders, in accordance with its methods of work, in respect of
the 142 outstanding cases. The Working Group is unable to report on the fate and whereabouts
of the persons concerned.
Observations
141. The Group wishes to remind the Government of its obligation under article 13 of the
Declaration to continue to conduct investigations for as long as the fate and whereabouts of the
victims of enforced disappearance remain unclarified.
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
142. During the period under review, the Working Group transmitted one new case of
disappearance to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran under the urgent action
procedure. Subsequently, the Working Group clarified this case on the basis of information
provided by the source that the person concerned had been taken into custody and permitted to
see his sister several times; information on the place of detention was provided.
143. The majority of the 516 cases of disappearance reported in the past occurred
between 1981 and 1989, of which certain persons were reportedly arrested and imprisoned for
their alleged membership in armed opposition groups. More recent cases include that of a writer
who was detained in 1998 at Mehrabad airport in Tehran as he was leaving the country to visit
his family abroad. Four cases concern students who were allegedly detained during
demonstrations in Tehran in July 1999.
144. The newly reported case concerns a 70-year-old freelance journalist and manager of a
cultural centre in Teheran; it is believed that his disappearance may be connected to the fact that
the cultural centre provides facilities for artists, writers and other intellectuals.
145. In the past, the Working Group clarified 15 cases, of which 13 were clarified on the
basis of information provided by the Government and 2 on the basis of information provided by
the source. No new information was received from the Government with regard to
the 501 outstanding cases. The Working Group is, therefore, unable to report on the fate and
whereabouts of the persons concerned.
Observations
146. The Working Group continues to be concerned that little has been done to clarify the
more than 500 outstanding cases and that no information has been received from the
Government during 2002 regarding these cases. The Working Group wishes to remind the
Government of its responsibilities under article 13 of the Declaration to conduct thorough and
impartial investigations for as long as the fate of the victim remains unclarified.
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 30
147. The Working Group wishes to remind the Government of Iran of its obligation to take all
measures necessary to prevent further cases of disappearance, to investigate all outstanding cases
and to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Iraq
148. During the period under review, no new cases of disappearance were transmitted by the
Working Group to the Government of Iraq.
149. The majority of the 16,514 reported cases of disappearance concern persons of the
Kurdish ethnic group who allegedly disappeared in 1988, in the context of the
so-called “operation Anfal”, when the Government allegedly implemented a programme of
destruction of villages and towns throughout Iraqi Kurdistan. A significant number of other
cases concern Shi'ah Muslims who are reported to have disappeared in the late 1970s and
early 1980s in the course of the expulsion of their families to the Islamic Republic of Iran on the
allegation that they were “of Persian ancestry”. Other cases occurred in the aftermath of the
March 1991 uprising by Arab Shi'ah Muslims in the south and by Kurds in the north. Earlier
cases took place in 1983, when Iraqi forces arrested a large number of Kurds from the Barzani
clan, near Arbil. Some 30 cases which reportedly occurred in 1996 concern members of the
Yazidi community who were allegedly arrested during a wave of mass arrests in Mosul by
members of the security forces. Other cases concern Shi'ah Muslims who were reportedly
detained in Karbala in 1996 as they were about to begin a pilgrimage. The persons concerned
include suspected political opponents, those arrested because of a family tie to a political
opponent, those held hostage in order to force relatives to surrender, and those arrested on
grounds of ethnic origin.
150. In the past, the Working Group clarified 130 cases, of which 107 were clarified on the
basis of information provided by the Government and 23 on the basis of information provided by
the source. No new information was received from the Government with regard to
the 16,384 outstanding cases. The Working Group is, therefore, unable to report on the fate
and whereabouts of the persons concerned.
Observations
151. Iraq remains the country with the highest number of disappearances reported to the
Working Group. The efforts of the Government of Iraq to investigate the over 16,000
outstanding cases of disappearance and to cooperate with the Working Group are totally
inadequate. Under the Declaration, the Government is under obligation to take effective
legislative, administrative, judicial or other measures to prevent, terminate and investigate all
acts of enforced disappearance.
152. In order to prevent further cases of disappearance, the Government should, in particular,
cease its practice of arbitrary detentions and provide all detainees with at least the minimum right
of prompt access to their families, legal counsel and independent judicial authorities. The total
impunity with which the perpetrators continue to act clearly violates the obligation of the
Government to make all acts of enforced disappearance an offence under criminal law, to
investigate all such cases and to bring the perpetrators to justice.
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 31
Japan
153. During the period under review, the Working Group transmitted, for the first time, four
new cases of disappearance to the Government of Japan. These cases were only recently
transmitted by the Working Group and, in accordance with its methods of work, it must be
understood that the Government could not respond prior to the adoption of the present report.
154. The newly reported cases concern Japanese nationals who were allegedly kidnapped in
Japan by secret agents of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in the
years 1977-1980. In accordance with its methods of work, copies of the cases were sent to the
Government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
155. During the period under review, the representatives of the families submitted eight cases
of Japanese nationals who had allegedly been abducted in Japan, Spain and the United Kingdom
by secret agents of the DPRK. According to the families, information provided by the
authorities of the DPRK on the deaths of these persons was unrealistic or insufficient. During
the same period, the Working Group met with representatives of the Government of Japan and
engaged in an exchange of views on these cases. In light of the recent improvement in bilateral
relations between the two Governments, the Government of the DPRK had officially recognized
the involvement of its secret agents in the abductions. Following the meeting between the Prime
Minister of Japan and the President of the DPRK in Pyongyang in September 2002 and the visit
of a Japanese investigation team later in the month, the fate and the whereabouts of five other
missing persons had been clarified. On 15 October, these persons were able to travel to Japan to
meet with their relatives.
Jordan
156. During the period under review, no new cases of disappearance were transmitted by the
Working Group to the Government of Jordan.
157. Of the two cases reported to the Working Group, one concerns an Iraqi national who was
allegedly abducted by Iraqi intelligence services and another an Indian national who was
allegedly arrested in Jordan, close to the border with the Syrian Arab Republic, by Syrian border
police. In accordance with its methods of work, a copy of the case was also sent to the
Government of the Syrian Arab Republic. (See also section on the Syrian Arab Republic,
paragraphs 260-264.)
158. During the period under review, the Government expressed concern that, in its previous
report (E/CN.4/2002/79), the Working Group had erroneously stated that no response had been
received from the Government in respect of the two outstanding cases. In a reply dated
11 October 1999, the Government reported that, with regard to one case, an asylum request
submitted by the person concerned and his family to the Office of the United Nations High
Commissioner for Refugees Representative in Amman had been rejected, and that, moreover,
they had been in the habit of travelling regularly and freely between the two countries
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 32
since 1991; a copy was provided of a letter sent by the UNHCR Representative to the Jordanian
Minister of the Interior. In respect of the other case, the Government reported that investigations
had revealed no information regarding the detention of the person concerned in Syrian prisons
nor was there a detainee by the name.
159. In respect of the two outstanding cases, the Working Group is unable to report on the fate
and whereabouts of the persons concerned.
Kuwait
160. During the period under review, no new cases of disappearance were transmitted by the
Working Group to the Government of Kuwait.
161. The one reported case of disappearance concerns a “bedoim” of Palestinian origin,
bearing a Jordanian passport, who was allegedly arrested after the retreat of the Iraqi forces from
Kuwait in 1991 and detained by the Kuwaiti Secret Police. His family was reportedly not
allowed to renew its residency status in Kuwait and had obtained refugee status in Australia.
162. During the period under review, the Working Group pursued its exchanges with the
family of the person concerned on facilitating a meeting between members of the family and
possible witnesses, on the one hand, and representatives of the competent Kuwaiti authorities, on
the other, with a view to arriving at an agreed solution.
163. In respect of this case, the Working Group is unable to report on the fate and
whereabouts of the person concerned.
Lebanon
164. During the period under review, the Working Group transmitted three new cases of
disappearance to the Government of Lebanon. During the same period, the Working Group
retransmitted one case to the Government, updated with new information from the source.
Regarding the newly reported cases transmitted after 15 September 2002, in accordance with its
methods of work, it must be understood that the Government could not respond prior to the
adoption of the present report.
165. The majority of the 312 cases of disappearance reported in the past occurred in 1982
and 1983 in the context of the Lebanese civil war. The forces allegedly responsible were cited as
members of the Phalangist militia, the Lebanese army or its security forces; reportedly, in some
cases, the Israeli army, acting together with one or other of these forces, were involved A
number of cases concern persons who were reportedly arrested at the Sabra and Chatila refugee
camps in September 1982. Some cases concern foreign nationals who were allegedly abducted
in Beirut in 1984, 1985 and 1987. A few cases concern persons who were allegedly arrested
between 1976 and 2000 by the Syrian army or security services at checkpoints, or abducted by
the Hezbollah, and transferred to the Syrian Arab Republic. In accordance with its methods of
work, copies of these cases were also sent to the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic.
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 33
166. The newly reported cases concern three military personnel, of whom one was allegedly
abducted in 1982 by members of the Parti Soc/a/National Syrien at the time of the Israeli
invasion, and two others who were allegedly arrested or abducted in 1990 on the day that the
Syrian Army reportedly occupied eastern Beirut.
167. In the past, the Working Group clarified eight cases, of which two were clarified on the
basis of information provided by the Government and six on the basis of information provided
by the source. No new information was received from the Government in respect of the
304 outstanding cases. The Working Group is, therefore, unable to report on the fate and
whereabouts of the persons concerned.
Observations
168. The Working Group, while understanding the difficult situation in Lebanon, remains
concerned that only 2 out of 312 cases have been clarified by the Government.
169. It wishes to remind the Government of its obligation under article 2 of the Declaration
not to practise, permit or tolerate enforced disappearances even if such acts are allegedly carried
out by the authorities of another State. It is the obligation of the Government of Lebanon to take
all effective legislative, administrative, judicial or other measures to prevent, terminate and
investigate all acts of enforced disappearance in any territory under its jurisdiction and to bring
the perpetrators to justice.
Malaysia
170. During the period under review, no new cases of disappearance were transmitted by the
Working Group to the Government of Malaysia.
171. The two reported cases of disappearance occurred in 1998 and concern Acehnese
activists of Indonesian nationality with permanent resident status in Malaysia.
172. During the period under review, the Government provided information on the one
outstanding case. Some three months prior to his disappearance, the person concerned had been
arrested by the Royal Malaysia Police in accordance with section 73 (1) of the Internal Security
Act 1960 (Revision 1972) in connection with investigations into his suspected involvement in
activities likely to constitute a threat to the peace and security of the country. In keeping with
the legal requirements of the country, the family had been duly notified of his arrest and allowed
to visit him. Investigations conducted during his period of remand had revealed that he had
continued his illegal activities in Malaysia in support of the “Acehnese Freedom Movement” that
included collecting and providing funds for the movement, an illegal organization in both
countries. Two weeks later, on completion of police investigations, he had been unconditionally
released; the Royal Malaysia Police saw no reasons for keeping him under surveillance.
Complete and comprehensive investigations carried out by the police, following the report of his
disappearance, had failed to reveal any information on his whereabouts.
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 34
173. In the past, the Working Group clarified one case on the basis of information provided by
the source. In respect of the one outstanding case, the Working Group is unable to report on the
fate and whereabouts of the person concerned.
Mexico
174. During the period under review, the Working Group transmitted seven new cases of
disappearance to the Government of Mexico, all of which occurred in 2002; six were sent under
the urgent action procedure. At the same time, the Working Group retransmitted two cases
updated on the basis of new information from the source. During the period under review, the
Working Group clarified 14 cases on the basis of information provided by the Government, on
which no observations were received from the source. Photographs of the body and copies of
death certificates were provided.
175. The majority of the 365 cases reported in the past occurred between 1974 and 1981.
Ninety-eight of those cases took place in the context of rural guerrilla warfare that was waged in
the mountains and villages of the State of Guerrero during the 1970s and early 1980s.
Twenty-one other cases occurred in 1995, mostly in the States of Chiapas and Veracruz; the
majority of the persons concerned were members of several Indian, peasant and political
organizations. Two recently reported cases occurred in 2001: one concerns a student activist
who was allegedly abducted by the State police in the city of Morelia, Michoacan State; the other
concerns a person who was reportedly arrested without a warrant by State judicial police
officers.
176. The newly reported cases concern a mother and her six-month-old infant who were
reportedly detained by members of the army in the context of a military operation in the city of
Matamoros; two rural workers who were allegedly detained without a warrant; a mechanic who
was reportedly threatened by a member of the judicial police a week prior to the incident; a man
who, together with family, had been evicted from his home and who had reportedly gone to the
local authorities, accompanied by a member of the National Human Rights Commission - where
he was seen being chased by members of the local police; and a former member of the army
trading in vehicles. In most cases, the Federal Investigation Agency (former Federal Judicial
Police) and the Preventive Federal Police were allegedly responsible.
177. The Working Group called the attention of the Government to the harassment and
intimidation to which a human rights worker was being subjected, reportedly a direct
consequence of his involvement in cases concerning forced disappearances. During the period
under review, the Human Rights Commission of Mexico reported that a complaint had been filed
and the case was being investigated. Furthermore, the Government reported that a complaint had
been lodged with the Office of the Procurator of the Federal District; provisional measures in
favour of the subj ect were approved and they were informed that he had fled the country.
178. Concern was expressed by non-governmental organizations about the continuing
impunity that allegedly characterizes the Mexican judicial system. The initiatives launched by
the Government, such as the opening of State archives, the appointment of a Special Prosecutor
to investigate disappearances and the ratification of the Inter-American Convention on Enforced
Disappearances of Persons, reportedly do not, in themselves, constitute an end to impunity. In
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 35
this connection, the allegedly opaque manner in which the Special Prosecutor and the members
of its citizen support committee were appointed gave rise to serious doubts about its
independence. Furthermore, concern was expressed about a reservation lodged by the
Government during the ratification of the Inter-American Convention on Disappearances, which
would reportedly permit trial in military courts, as well as in regard to an interpretive declaration
lodged by the Government to the effect that the Convention would be applicable only to cases
that occur after its entry into force. These allegations were recently transmitted to the
Government which has not yet had an opportunity to respond.
179. During the period under review, the Working Group met with representatives of the
Mexican National Commission on Human Rights and a representative of the Government of
Mexico. On that occasion, the representative of the Commission submitted its report on cases of
forced disappearances which had occurred in the late 1970s and 1980s. The Working Group
confirmed that 172 of the cases included in the report are outstanding in its files.
180. During the period under review, the Government provided information on six
outstanding cases. In respect of the two new cases concerning the mother and her infant, the
Ministry of Defence had found no evidence of the involvement of military personnel in their
disappearance. In four cases, investigations by the competent authorities and the National
Human Rights Commission are in progress.
181. Of the 151 cases clarified by the Working Group, 133 were clarified on the basis of
information provided by the Government and 18 on the basis of information provided by the
source. In the past, the Working Group discontinued 16 cases. During the period under review,
the secretariat of the Working Group was unable to send out reminders, in accordance with its
methods of work, in respect of the 205 outstanding cases. The Working Group is unable to
report on the fate and whereabouts of the persons concerned.
Observations
182. The Working Group expresses its appreciation to the Government of Mexico for the
cooperation that it received during the period under review and for the positive results achieved
by the investigations carried out by the National Commission of Human Rights, which have
helped to clarify 14 cases this year.
183. The Working Group also wishes to stress the need for more effective measures to clarify
the so-called “old cases” which occurred in the 1970s, and reminds the Government of Mexico
of its continuing responsibility to conduct thorough and impartial investigations into cases of
disappearance for as long as the fate of the victim remains unclarified, in accordance with
article 13 of the Declaration.
184. However, in view of the fact that new cases continue to be reported, it is necessary, in
accordance with article 3 of the Declaration, to stress the urgency of taking effective legislative,
administrative, judicial or other measures to prevent and terminate acts of enforced
disappearance.
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 36
Morocco
185. During the period under review, no new cases were transmitted by the Working Group to
the Government of Morocco.
186. The majority of the 249 reported cases of disappearance occurred between 1972
and 1980. Most of them concern persons of Saharan origin who reportedly disappeared in
territories under the control of the Moroccan forces because they or their relatives were known or
suspected supporters of the Polisario Front. Students and better-educated Saharans were
allegedly particular targets. The disappeared persons were reportedly confined in secret
detention centres, such as Laayoune, Qal'at M'gouna, Agdz and Tazmamart. Cells in some
police stations or military barracks and secret villas in the Rabat suburbs were also allegedly
used to hide the disappeared.
187. During the period under review, the Working Group received information from
non-governmental organizations concerning non-compliance by the Government of Morocco
with provisions of the Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced
Disappearance. It is alleged that no steps have been taken by the Government to adequately
resolve the cases of disappearances of several hundred persons, which occurred between the
mid-1960s and the early 1990s, among them some 70 persons of Saharan origin who allegedly
disappeared, between 1976 and 1991, in secret detention centres in Agdz, Qal'at M'gouna and
Laayoune. It is further alleged that investigations to establish responsibility for the grave and
systematic human rights violations that occurred in the past, were not known to have been
opened and that the alleged perpetrators, including those responsible for gross violations over
long periods, have not been brought to justice. These allegations were recently transmitted to the
Government, which has not yet had an opportunity to respond.
188. During the period under review, the Government provided information on 27 outstanding
cases. In respect of four cases, the Government reported that the persons concerned had died and
provided death certificates and/or receipts from the family that compensation had been received,
in respect of one case, the family had submitted a request for compensation. With regard to one
other case, the Government replied that the person had never been detained or placed in police
custody, and provided details on his present whereabouts. The Working Group decided to apply
the six-month rule to these six cases. In respect of six other cases, the Government reported that
the persons concerned had died a natural death, in a traffic accident, or in unknown
circumstances, and that for one of them the death certificate would be provided at a later stage.
In five cases, the persons had either been released, were never arrested, or had left the country to
join the Polisario Front. In respect of 11 cases, the Government replied that investigations could
not proceed either because the name of the person was incomplete or not precise, or the identity
of the person was unknown. In respect of three cases, the information related to persons whose
identities did not fully correspond to those registered by the Working Group.
189. In the past, the Working Group clarified 134 cases, of which 88 were clarified on the
basis of information provided by the Government and 46 on the basis of information provided by
the source. In respect of 115 outstanding cases, the Working Group is unable to report on the
fate and whereabouts of the persons concerned.
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 37
Observations
190. The Working Group wishes to express its appreciation to the Government of Morocco for
the information that it has provided and for its efforts to investigate the fate and whereabouts of
persons reported to have disappeared in the past. It wishes to express the hope that this process
will continue.
191. The Working Group remains concerned about the 115 outstanding cases. The Group
wishes to remind the Government of its obligation under article 13 of the Declaration to continue
to conduct investigations for as long as the fate and whereabouts of the victims of enforced
disappearance remain unclarified.
Myanmar
192. During the period under review, the Working Group transmitted one new case of
disappearance to the Government of Myanmar.
193. The two cases reported in the past were clarified by the Working Group in 1993.
194. The newly reported case concerns a citizen of France, a militant of the Karen National
Union (KNIJ) residing on the Thai-Myanmar border. He allegedly disappeared in 2001 after
crossing into Myanmar with his girl friend, a national of Myanmar who is allegedly being
used by a military intelligence agency of that country. In accordance with its methods of work, a
copy of the case was sent to the Government of Thailand. (See section on Thailand,
paragraphs 265-268.)
195. During the period under review, the Government provided information on the newly
reported case and stated that, inasmuch as the information on the disappearance conveyed to the
family could be attributed to insurgent groups, its veracity was questionable. Nevertheless, the
matter had been brought to the attention of the competent authorities and any information
received would be communicated to the Working Group.
196. In the past, the Working Group clarified two cases on the basis of information provided
by the Government. In respect of the outstanding case, the Working Group is unable to report on
the fate and whereabouts of the person concerned.
Nepal
197. During the period under review, the Working Group transmitted 28 new cases to the
Government of Nepal, of which 14 occurred in 2002; 24 cases were sent under the urgent action
procedure. During the same period, the Working Group clarified five cases, of which four were
sent under the urgent procedure, on the basis of information provided by the source that the
persons concerned had either been released or are known to have been transferred to the Gorkha
District Jail and were reportedly in preventive detention. The cases refer to three teachers,
including the headmaster of the Jeevan Jyoti Secondary School, Gorkha District, who were
reportedly arrested at work by ajoint group of army and police personnel.
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 38
198. The majority of the 108 cases reported in the past allegedly occurred between 1998
and 2002, in the context of police operations initiated in May 1998 against members of the
Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-Maoist), which had declared a “people's war” in
February 1996. The persons concerned include the Chairman of the Gorkha District Bar
Association, a member of the Forum for the Protection of Human Rights, a member of the Nepal
Bar Association, and 16 members of the All Nepal National Free Students Union (ANNFSU).
199. Twelve of the newly reported cases concern persons allegedly arrested by army
personnel or by army and police personnel acting together. An additional 12 newly reported
cases concern persons allegedly arrested by the police. The overwhelming majority of the newly
reported cases occurred in Kathmandu; most were arrested on suspicion of being members or
sympathizers of the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-Maoist). Three cases concern two
journalists and a student, all members of the Ak/ill Bhaiati) 'a Nepali Ekta Sainaj (All India
Nepalese Unit Society) who were reportedly arrested by the Indian Special Branch Police and
handed over to Nepali security officials at the border, in Nepalgunj: they had been attending a
meeting of the India-Nepal Peoples' Solidarity Organization in New Delhi. In accordance with
its methods of work, the cases were also sent to the Government of India. (See also section on
India, paragraphs 125-135.)
200. Several reports expressing serious concern were received on what was described as a
continuing pattern of disappearances and long-term unacknowledged detention, which first
emerged after the events of May 1998, when police reportedly launched the “intensified security
mobilization” operation. Following a breakdown in the peace talks between the Government of
Nepal and the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-Maoist) on 23 November 2001, a nationwide
state of emergency was declared and the army deployed. Thousands of arrests are reported to
have been made: many of those persons have since disappeared. Several reports of concern
were also received about the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Control and Punishment) Act
(TADO) that became law on 10 April 2002, replacing an ordinance by the same name.
Reportedly, the Act, which will remain in force for two years, provides wide powers to arrest
without a warrant those who are suspected of involvement in “terrorist” activities. Allegedly,
more than 5,000 persons who were arrested under TADO were subsequently held in
unacknowledged detention by police and the army, sometimes for several weeks. These
allegations were recently transmitted to the Government which has not yet had an opportunity to
respond.
201. During the period under review, the Government provided information on two
outstanding cases; the persons concerned have been released.
202. Of the 26 cases clarified by the Working Group, three were clarified on the basis of
information provided by the Government and 23 on the basis of information provided by the
source. In respect of the 110 outstanding cases, the Working Group is unable to report on the
fate and whereabouts of the persons concerned.
Observations
203. The Working Group is deeply concerned that disappearances have continued in such
alarming numbers during 2002.
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 39
204. The Working Group wishes to remind the Government of the urgency of taking
“effective legislative, administrative, judicial or other measures to prevent and terminate acts of
enforced disappearance”, in accordance with article 3 of the Declaration. It also reminds the
Government of its continuing responsibility, in accordance with article 13 (6) of the Declaration,
to conduct thorough and impartial investigations “for as long as the fate of the victim of enforced
disappearance remains unclarified”, and to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Nicaragua
205. During the period under review, no new cases of disappearance were transmitted by the
Working Group to the Government of Nicaragua.
206. Most of the 234 reported cases of disappearances occurred between 1979 and 1983, in
the context of the internal armed conflict which took place during the 1980s. Many of the
reports of these disappearances pointed to the involvement of members of the army, the former
Sandinista Government, the former General Directorate for the Security of the State and the
Frontier Guard. Two cases, however, reportedly occurred in 1994: one concerns a farmer who
was allegedly detained by a group of members of the army and the police, and the other concerns
a person allegedly accused of being a member of the contras armed group.
207. In the past, the Working Group clarified 131 cases, of which 112 were clarified on the
basis of information provided by the Government and 19 others on the basis of information
provided by the source. No new information was received from the Government in respect of
the 103 outstanding cases. The Working Group is, therefore, unable to report on the fate and
whereabouts of the persons concerned.
Observations
208. The Working Group continues to be concerned that little has been done to clarify the
more than 100 outstanding cases. The Working Group wishes to remind the Government of its
responsibilities under article 13 of the Declaration to conduct investigations thoroughly and
impartially for as long as the fate of the victim remains unclarified.
Nigeria
209. During the period under review, no new cases were transmitted by the Working Group to
the Government of Nigeria.
210. Of the six cases of disappearance reported to the Working Group, five occurred
between 1992 and 1995 in Lagos and concern two members of the Campaign for Democracy
coalition, two publishers and a lawyer who were allegedly arrested by the security forces. One
case concerns a human rights activist who was allegedly arrested by the security forces in 1998
at Murtala airport in Lagos.
211. During the period under review, the Government provided information on the one
outstanding case. The person concerned, whose disappearance occurred under the defunct
military regime, has since regained his freedom and has encountered no hindrance in engaging in
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 40
lawful activities of his choice. He is now actively participating in the democratic process by
seeking elective office to the post of Governor of his State of origin. The Working Group has
requested more precise information about his whereabouts and current address.
212. In the past, the Working Group clarified five cases on the basis of information provided
by the Government. In all cases, the persons concerned were at liberty at the address that was
provided. In respect of the one outstanding case, the Working Group is unable to report on the
fate and whereabouts of the person concerned.
Pakistan
213. During the period under review, no new cases were transmitted by the Working Group to
the Government of Pakistan. During the same period, the Working Group clarified two cases on
the basis of information provided by the Government that the persons concerned had either been
acquitted by the competent court or were residing at the address provided, and on which no
observations were received from the source.
214. The majority of the 83 cases of reported disappearance concern members or sympathizers
of the political party Muhajir Qaomi Movement (MQM), who were allegedly arrested by the
police or security forces in 1995 and 2001. Most of the other reported cases allegedly occurred
in 1986 and between 1989 and 1991, and concern Afghan refugees in Pakistan, most of them
affiliated to the Harakate Inghilabe Islami party of Afghanistan. The abductions reportedly took
place in Peshawar, North West Frontier Province, by persons belonging to a rival party, the
Hezb-e-Islami Afghanistan, allegedly acting with the acquiescence of the Pakistani authorities.
Four other cases concerned members of the same family who were reportedly abducted in 1996
in Islamabad by agents of the military intelligence.
215. During the period under review, the Government provided information on 11 outstanding
cases. With regard to one case, the Government informed that the person had been arrested and
released two weeks later; information on his current whereabouts was provided. The Working
Group decided to apply the six-month rule to this case. In respect of eight cases, the
Government informed that the persons had either been arrested and released on court order, or
had never been arrested during the period; there is no record of their detention in police custody
or at the Central Prison, Karachi. In another case, the person absconded from trial at the
Magistrates Court; he has not yet been apprehended and there was no record of his detention at
the Central Prison. With regard to one other case, no individual by the name given had been
arrested, but the son of a person bearing the same name and registered at another address had
been arrested and released from jail.
216. Responding to the reminder sent on 29 October 2002 in respect of the outstanding cases,
the Government replied that the letter had been conveyed to the concerned authorities in Pakistan
with the request to provide additional information; it would not be possible for the authorities to
process these cases for 3 November, in time for the Group's sixty-eighth session.
217. During the period under review, the Working Group decided to revoke the six-month rule
that it had previously applied in respect of two cases and requested the Government to provide it
with the current addresses of the persons concerned.
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 41
218. Of the seven cases clarified by the Working Group, three were clarified on the basis of
information provided by the Government and four on the basis of information provided by the
source. In respect of the 76 outstanding cases, the Working Group is unable to report on the fate
and whereabouts of the persons concerned.
Peru*
219. During the period under review, no new cases of disappearance were transmitted by the
Working Group to the Government of Peru.
220. The vast majority of the 3,006 reported cases of disappearances occurred between 1983
and 1992 in the context of the Government's fight against, in particular, the Communist Party of
Peru, Shining Path (Sendero Luininoso) and the Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement
(MRTA). In late 1982, the armed forces and police undertook a counter-insurgency campaign
and the armed forces were granted a great deal of latitude in fighting Sendero Luminoso and
restoring public order. The majority of reported disappearances took place in areas of the
country that had been under a state of emergency and were under military control, in particular in
the departments of Apurimac, Ayacucho, Huancavelica, San Martin and Ucayali. Detentions
were frequently carried out openly by uniformed members of the army and the navy infantry,
sometimes together with civil defence groups.
221. The Transitional Government took steps to allow the judiciary to investigate human
rights violations and corruption. The independence of the judiciary has been restored.
Nationally and internationally supervised elections were held in the country, resulting in the
election of Alejandro Toledo as President of Peru until July 2006. On 22 January 2001, the
administrative jurisdiction of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights was again recognized
and the Peruvian State began to enforce judgements of the Inter-American Court of Human
Rights. In addition, the Government of Peru has ratified a number of new human rights treaties,
including the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and established a Truth and
Reconciliation Commission of independent experts to identify and investigate human rights
violations occurring between May 1980 and November 2000.
222. During the period under review, the Working Group learned that “Para que no te
olvides”, a joint initiative launched by the Peruvian Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the
Ombudsman, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Coordinadora
Nacional de Derechos Huinanos, will publish a list of names of more than 7,000 people who
disappeared between 1980 and 2000. Reportedly, the document will be open to all those who
might wish to update the list with new cases or with new elements that could shed more light on
the cases.
223. In the past, the Working Group clarified 638 cases, of which 253 were clarified on the
basis of information provided by the Government and 385 on the basis of information
provided by the source. During the period under review, the secretariat of the Working Group
* Diego Garcia-Sayán did not participate in the decisions relating to this section of the report.
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 42
was unable to send out reminders, in accordance with its methods of work, in respect of
the 2,368 outstanding cases. The Working Group is unable to report on the fate and whereabouts
of the persons concerned.
Observations
224. The Working Group has cooperated with the Peruvian Truth and Reconciliation
Commission in providing requested information. The Working Group welcomes the efforts
being made by the Commission to resolve cases of disappearances, and hopes to receive from the
Government information that might lead to the clarification of the outstanding cases.
Philippines
225. During the period under review, the Working Group transmitted six new cases of
disappearance to the Government of the Philippines, of which four reportedly occurred in 2002.
These cases were transmitted after 15 September 2002; in accordance with its methods of work,
it must be understood that the Government could not respond prior to the adoption of the present
report.
226. The majority of the 662 cases of disappearance reported in the past occurred throughout
the country in the late 1970s and early 1980s in the context of the Government's anti-insurgency
campaign. The arrests were allegedly carried out by armed men belonging to the Philippine
Army, other identified military organizations or to police units such as the Philippine
Constabulary, the Central Intelligence Unit, the military police and other organizations. Those
concerned include farmers, students, social and health workers, members of Church groups,
lawyers, journalists and economists. Since 1980, reported cases of disappearance concerned
young men living in rural and urban areas from legally constituted organizations which the
military authorities have claimed are fronts for the outlawed Communist Party of the
Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People's Army (NPA). Among the groups most
commonly targeted were members of KADENA (Youth for Democracy and Nationalism) and
the National Federation of Sugar Workers. Despite the peace talks initiated by the Government
with several opposition movements, disappearances continued to occur in the 1990s, mainly
in the context of military operations against NPA, the Moro National Liberation Front, the
Mindanao Islamic Liberation Front, the Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Units and the
Civilian Volunteer Organizations.
227. Three newly reported cases concern members of the Bayan Muna opposition party,
including a well-known political organizer; one case concerns a trader who was a student activist
in his youth. All persons were allegedly abducted by armed men believed to belong to the 70th
and 71st Infantry Battalions of the Armed Forces of the Philippines based in Maria Aurora and
Nueva Ecija respectively. Two other cases concern farmers from Agusan del Norte who were
allegedly abducted, in 1998, by the 58th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.
228. During the period under review, the Working Group was informed that, despite a
commitment by the Government to upholding the rule of law and an extensive range of
procedural safeguards, complaints mechanisms and legal sanctions, suspected perpetrators of
serious human rights violations were rarely brought to justice and a climate of impunity
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 43
prevailed. Reportedly, the right of victims of such violations to receive prompt, impartial and
thorough investigations of their complaints continued to be severely curtailed, and public
confidence in existing complaints bodies, including the Commission on Human Rights and the
Office of the Ombudsman, remained low. These allegations were recently transmitted to the
Government which has not yet had an opportunity to respond.
229. During the period under review, the Government provided information on two
outstanding cases concerning persons who were reportedly abducted together. There is no
record of their arrest by either the Philippine National Police or the Armed Forces of the
Philippines, and in one case the person is a fugitive with a standing warrant of arrest for the
murder of a municipal mayor.
230. In the past, the Working Group clarified 157 cases, of which 124 were clarified on the
basis of information provided by the Government and 33 others on the basis of information
provided by the source. In respect of 505 outstanding cases, the Working Group is unable to
report on the fate and whereabouts of the persons concerned.
Observations
231. The Working Group continues to be concerned that not enough has been done by the
Government to clarify the more than 500 outstanding cases and that no information has been
received from the Government during 2002 that would lead to the clarification of some of these
cases. The Working Group wishes to remind the Government of its responsibilities under
article 13 of the Declaration to conduct thorough and impartial investigations for as long as the
fate of the victim remains unclarified.
232. The Working Group wishes to express its hope that the Government will take steps to
clarify the outstanding cases and, if applicable, implement the provisions of article 19 of the
Declaration, which entitles the victims and relatives to compensation.
Russian Federation
233. During the period under review, the Working Group transmitted to the Government of
the Russian Federation 11 new cases, of which 10 reportedly occurred in 2002; 2 cases were sent
under the urgent action procedure. Regarding the cases transmitted after 15 September 2002; in
accordance with its methods of work, it must be understood that the Government could not
respond prior to the adoption of the present report.
234. The majority of the 212 cases reported in the past concern persons of ethnic Ingush origin
who allegedly disappeared in 1992, in the context of the fighting between ethnic Ossetians and
the Ingush. A large number of other cases are reported to have occurred in Chechnya, the
majority in late 1994 and early 1995. The Russian military forces were allegedly responsible.
235. The newly reported cases occurred in Chechnya, nine in Tsotsyn-Yut,
Kurchaloy District, one in Novye Atagi, Shalinsky District, and another in Zakan-Yurt,
Achkoi-Martanovsky District. The Russian Army was allegedly responsible for all these cases,
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 44
which concern the nephew of the Head of the Human Rights Center (HRC) “Memorial”, Grozny
Office; an engineer whose son had also disappeared in December 2000 following his detention
by federal troops; 7 other persons who were among a group of around 100 persons who were
allegedly abducted; another person who was allegedly arrested at the local Temporary
Department of Internal Affairs where he had gone to inquire about his brother's whereabouts;
and a person who was allegedly arrested at a hospital.
236. In the past, the Working Group clarified one case on the basis of information provided
by the source. No new information was received from the Government with regard
to 220 outstanding cases. The Working Group is therefore unable to report on the fate and
whereabouts of the persons concerned.
Observations
237. The Working Group remains deeply concerned that only 1 of the more than 200 cases
reported to it has been clarified. In this connection, it would like to remind the Government that
all persons deprived of liberty shall be held in an officially recognized place of detention and
have prompt access to family members, legal counsel and judicial authorities, in accordance with
articles 9 and 10 of the Declaration. In addition, the Government has an obligation, under
articles 13 and 14, to carry out prompt, thorough and impartial investigations into alleged cases
of enforced disappearance and to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Rwanda
238. During the period under review, the Working Group transmitted one new case to the
Government of Rwanda.
239. Most of the 21 cases transmitted in the past occurred between 1990 and 1996, of
which 5 occurred in 1990 and 1991 in the north of the country, in the context of the ethnic
conflict between Tutsis and Hutus. Among those reported to have disappeared are students at
the Seventh-Day Adventist University in Mudende, who were suspected of supporting the
Rwandese Popular Front; the mayor of Nyabikenke; a journalist from the Rwandan national
television station; a mechanic from Kigali; and the manager of a soap factory who had lodged
foreign employees of the International Committee of the Red Cross. One case concerns a citizen
of the Democratic Republic of the Congo who was reportedly arrested at the border between
Rwanda and Uganda. Forces alleged to be responsible are the armed forces, the gendarmerie
nationale and soldiers of the Rwandese Patriotic Army. Eighteen cases concern Rwandan
refugees who reportedly disappeared in 1998 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo after their
alleged abduction by the Tutsi military in Kisangani. Another case concerns a professor who
was allegedly arrested by members of the Rwandan Patriotic Army. (See also section on the
Democratic Republic of the Congo, paragraphs 86-89.)
240. The newly reported case occurred in September 2001 and concerns a former candidate in
the March 2001 local elections in the Mutura District who, prior to the elections, was allegedly
summoned and interrogated by the mayor. It is believed that local officials may have considered
him a rival.
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 45
241. In the past, the Working Group clarified two cases on the basis of information provided
by the source. During the period under review, the secretariat of the Working Group was unable
to send out reminders, in accordance with its methods of work, in respect of the 20 outstanding
cases. The Working Group is unable to report on the fate and whereabouts of the persons
concerned.
Saudi Arabia
242. During the period under review, no new cases of disappearance were transmitted by the
Working Group to the Government of Saudi Arabia.
243. The three reported cases of disappearance concern a businessman who was allegedly
arrested in Amman in 1991 by Jordanian security forces and later handed over to Saudi Arabian
authorities; a university lecturer at King Saud University, after whose disappearance his house
was allegedly searched by security service officers, his bank account frozen, and his wife and
children prevented from leaving the country, and a contractor, a citizen of Pakistan, who may
have been abducted in Jeddah in 1997 by a government secret service agency.
244. During the period under review, the Government provided information on the two
outstanding cases. In both cases, investigations were in progress and the results would be
conveyed to the Working Group immediately upon becoming available. In one of these cases,
according to the Government, the wife had affirmed that she was fully satisfied that the State was
not involved in the disappearance. With regard to the other case, the Government stated that
there was no reason to believe that governmental authorities were involved in the disappearance.
The letter transmitted by the Working Group was received on 8 October and the time allowed
was insufficient for the competent authorities to make further contacts in all the provinces and to
carry out proper investigations.
245. In the past, the Working Group clarified one case on the basis of information provided by
the source. In respect of the two outstanding cases, the Working Group is unable to report on the
fate and whereabouts of the persons concerned.
Spain
246. During the period under review, the Working Group transmitted, for the first time, four
new cases of disappearance to the Government of Spain. These cases were only recently
transmitted by the Working Group and, in accordance with its methods of work, it must be
understood that the Government could not respond prior to the adoption of the present report.
247. Two of the newly reported cases concern members of the Guerrilla Group of the
East Coast and Aragon (Agrupación Gueriillera de Levante y Aragón, or AGLA), who
were allegedly persecuted by the Guardia Civil and disappeared in 1947 and 1949. Cases
of similar characteristics that allegedly occurred in Spain before the creation of the
United Nations were not admitted. Two other cases concern Japanese nationals who
were allegedly kidnapped in Spain in 1980 by secret agents of the Democratic People's
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 46
Republic of Korea. In accordance with its methods of work, copies of the cases were sent to
the Government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. (See also section on the
Democratic People's Republic of Korea, paragraphs 84-85.)
Sri Lanka
248. During the period under review, no new cases of disappearance were transmitted by the
Working Group to the Government of Sri Lanka.
249. The 12,297 cases of disappearance reported to the Working Group are alleged to have
occurred in the context of two major sources of conflict in that country: the confrontation
between Tamil militants and government forces in the north and north-east of the country,
and that between the People's Liberation Front (JVP) and government forces in the south.
Between 1987 and 1990, the disappearances occurred mainly in the southern and central
provinces and coincided with extreme violence on the part of both security forces and JVP. The
cases reported to have occurred since 11 June 1990, the date of resumption of hostilities with the
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), have been confined primarily to the eastern and
north-eastern provinces of the country.
250. The Working Group undertook three field missions to Sri Lanka, in 1991, 1992
and 1999. The recommendation to the Government was that an independent body be established
with the task of investigating all cases of disappearance which had occurred since 1995 and to
accelerate its efforts to bring the perpetrators of enforced disappearances to justice. The
Working Group also recommended the setting up of a central register of detainees as provided
for in article 10 (3) of the Declaration. It also pointed out that all families of disappeared persons
should receive the same amount of compensation and that the procedure for issuing death
certificates in cases of disappearances should be applied in an equal and non-discriminatory
manner. The Working Group further noted that the Prevention of Terrorism Act and the
Emergency Regulations have not been abolished or harmonized with internationally accepted
standards of human rights, and recommended that the prohibition of enforced disappearance be
included as a fundamental right in the Constitution of Sri Lanka.
251. According to its records, the Government has so far provided information in respect of a
total of 11,881 outstanding cases, including information relating to 208 cases provided during the
period under review. Most of these replies are still under consideration by the Working Group.
252. During the period under review, the Working Group considered information provided by
the Government in relation to 3,341 outstanding cases. In respect of 1,234 cases, death
certificates had been issued and/or compensation granted or was in the process of being granted
in a number of cases. The Working Group decided to apply the six-month rule to these cases.
With regard to 2,107 other cases, the Government reported that it had not been possible to
establish the whereabouts of the persons concerned inasmuch as the addresses provided were
incorrect or unclear or because the family had left the area, no person by the name had
disappeared from the address provided; cases were pending in courts of law; family members
had not requested or had declined death certificates or compensation; the persons were reported
to be alive or the disappearance had not been reported to a government authority.
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 47
253. In the past, the Working Group clarified 4,962 cases, of which 4,923 were clarified on
the basis of information provided by the Government and 39 on the basis of information
provided by the source. At the current stage of the processing exercise, however, it must be
borne in mind that the statistical figures indicated in the present section as well as in the
statistical tables annexed to the present report in respect of the number of cases reported to the
Working Group, cases that have been clarified and those still outstanding, reflect only an
estimate and are, as such, subject to change.
Observations
254. The Working Group wishes to express its appreciation to the Government of Sri Lanka
for the amount of information that it has provided and for its efforts to investigate and clarify the
fate of the many thousands of persons who disappeared in the past.
255. The Group wishes to remind the Government of its obligations under article 10 of the
Declaration to hold persons deprived of liberty only in officially recognized places of detention,
to bring them promptly before a judicial authority and to make available promptly accurate
information on the detention of such persons to their family members, their legal counsel, or to
any other persons having a particular interest.
Sudan
256. During the period under review, no new cases were transmitted by the Working Group to
the Government of the Sudan. During the same period, the Working Group clarified 198 cases
on the basis of information provided by the Government on which no observations were received
from the source; in respect of all these cases, details on their current whereabouts were provided,
together with the names and addresses of persons through whom the persons concerned could be
reached.
257. The majority of the 267 reported cases of disappearance concern 249 villagers who were
allegedly abducted from the village of Toror in the Nuba Mountains in 1995 by the armed forces,
and taken to a government-controlled “peace camp”. One case concerns a member of the
Communist Party of Sudan who was allegedly arrested by the security forces in Khartoum; he
had reportedly been arrested four times previously and had spent a total of over two years in
prison.
258. Of the 203 cases clarified by the Working Group, 200 were clarified on the basis of
information provided by the Government and 3 on the basis of information provided by the
source. During the period under review, the secretariat of the Working Group was unable to
send out reminders, in accordance with its methods of work, in respect of the 64 outstanding
cases. The Working Group is unable to report on the fate and whereabouts of the persons
concerned.
Observations
259. The Working Group reminds the Government of its obligation, under article 13 of the
Declaration, to conduct impartial and effective investigations into alleged cases of disappearance
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 48
until the fate and whereabouts of the victims are established beyond a reasonable doubt. It also
reminds the Government that, under article 14, the perpetrators should be brought to justice and
that, in accordance with article 19, all victims of acts of enforced disappearance and their
families shall obtain redress and shall have the right to adequate compensation.
Syrian Arab Republic
260. During the period under review, four new cases of disappearance were transmitted by the
Working Group to the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic. These cases were only recently
transmitted and, in accordance with its methods of work, it must be understood that the
Government could not respond prior to the adoption of the present report.
261. Most of the 32 cases of disappearance reported in the past occurred between 1980
and 1993, for which the security forces or military intelligence were allegedly responsible. The
victims include, among others, students, medical doctors and military personnel. Two cases
concern Jordanian nationals and another concerns a citizen of Lebanon. In the past, concern was
expressed to the Working Group about the whereabouts of both Lebanese citizens and stateless
Palestinians who were reported to have disappeared in Lebanon, a circumstance for which the
Government of the Syrian Arab Republic was allegedly responsible. (See also section on
Lebanon, paragraphs 164-169.)
262. The newly reported cases occurred between 1981 and 1994. Two concern Lebanese
military personnel who reportedly disappeared in or around Beirut and were allegedly seen in the
“Palestine Section”, an interrogation centre, in Damascus, Syria; two others concern persons,
including a musician, who were allegedly arrested in Lebanon and last seen in Syria at the
Tadmor or Saydnaya prison. (See also section on Lebanon, paragraphs 164-169.)
263. During the period under review, the Government provided information on its
investigations into the four newly reported cases. The persons concerned could not be found
among those detained in Syria; however, the concerned authorities will continue to investigate
and inform the Chairman of the Working Group of the results.
264. In the past, the Working Group clarified 27 cases, of which 13 were clarified on the basis
of information provided by the Government and 14 on the basis of information provided by the
source. During the period under review, the secretariat of the Working Group was unable to
send out reminders, in accordance with its methods of work, in respect of eight outstanding
cases. The Working Group is unable to report on the fate and whereabouts of the persons
concerned.
Thailand
265. During the period under review, no new cases of disappearance were transmitted by the
Working Group to the Government of Thailand. In accordance with its methods of work, the
Working Group sent to the Government of Thailand a copy of a case concerning a French
national, residing in a border town between Thailand and Myanmar, who allegedly disappeared
in 2001 after crossing into Myanmar. (See section on Myanmar, paragraphs 192-196.)
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 49
266. Of the 34 cases reported to the Working Group in the past, 33 occurred in 1992.
Thirty-one cases concern persons who allegedly disappeared in May 1992 during a violent
crackdown by security forces on “pro-democracy demonstrations” in central Bangkok, in the
aftermath of the appointment of General Suchinda Khraprayoon as Prime Minister
on 7 April 1992; two cases concern citizens of Myanmar who were allegedly arrested in 1992 on
suspicion of being illegal immigrants. The one other case reportedly occurred in June 1991 and
concerns the President of the Labour Congress of Thailand, who disappeared from his union
office in Bangkok three days after organizing a protest rally.
267. During the period under review, the Government provided information on 31 cases
concerning persons who reportedly disappeared during the 1992 demonstrations. The
Working Group was apprised of the progress made and the latest measures adopted.
On 28 September 2001, an independent Committee had been established in order to guarantee
impartiality, fairness and transparency of the investigations into the allegations, and to provide
full assistance to the victims and their families. The Committee had set up two separate
subcommittees; one entrusted with a mandate to provide assistance to the victims and their
families and to continue the work previously carried out by the Ministry of Labour and Social
Welfare; the other to investigate into the cases of disappearance. The Working Group's note
regarding the 32 cases had been brought to the attention of the latter and of all concerned
authorities. The progress and outcome of the investigations will be made public in due time, and
the Working Group kept informed.
268. In respect of 34 outstanding cases, the Working Group is unable to report on the fate and
whereabouts of the persons concerned.
Timor-Leste
269. During the period under review, in accordance with its methods of work, the Working
Group decided to address all future communications to the Government of Timor-Leste in
respect of 454 cases of disappearance that occurred in the past in East Timor, of which 378 are
still outstanding. In accordance with its methods of work, the Working Group will also send
copies of these cases to the Government of Indonesia. The Working Group decided to transfer
these cases from its register on the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor
(UNTAET) and to consider these cases under the chapter heading Timor-Leste.
270. In the past, the Working Group clarified 76 cases, of which 58 were clarified on the basis
of information provided by the Government of Indonesia and 18 on the basis of information
provided by the source. The Working Group has not yet established contact with the new
Government and is, therefore, unable to report on the fate of the persons concerned.
Observations
271. The Working Group looks forward to the cooperation of the Government of Timor-Leste
and Indonesia in the clarification of these cases.
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 50
Tunisia
272. During the period under review, the Working Group transmitted one new case of
disappearance to the Government of Tunisia, which reportedly occurred in 2002. This case was
transmitted only recently and in accordance with the methods of work of the Working Group, it
must be understood that the Government could not respond prior to the adoption of the present
report.
273. Of the 15 cases of disappearance reported in the past, 10 reportedly occurred in 1998, of
which 1 concerns a woman who allegedly disappeared following her release from the Mannouba
prison in Tunis; one case occurred in 1995 and concerns a person who was reportedly abducted
from home by three men in civilian dress, believed to be members of the security forces.
274. The newly reported case concerns a former teacher working in a hardware shop, who was
allegedly arrested by police officers, taken to his house where his computer was confiscated, and
then taken away to an unknown location. He had reportedly been previously arrested on charges
of belonging to an unauthorized Islamist movement.
275. In the past, the Working Group clarified 15 cases, of which 11 were clarified on the basis
of information provided by the Government and 4 on the basis of the information provided by
the source. During the period under review, no information was received from the Government
on the one outstanding case. The Working Group is, therefore, unable to report on the fate and
whereabouts of the person concerned.
Turkey
276. During the period under review, the Working Group transmitted one new case of
disappearance to the Government of Turkey under the urgent action procedure. At the same
time, the Working Group clarified one case on the basis of information provided by the
Government and on which no observations were received from the source. The person had been
arrested on a court order and sent to Kocaeli prison.
277. The majority of the 180 cases of disappearance reported in the past were alleged to have
occurred in south-eastern Turkey, in areas where a state of emergency was in force, and concern
members of the Kurdish minority, in particular alleged members or supporters of the PKK.
Three recent cases of disappearance reported to have occurred in 2001 concern members of the
legal People's Democratic Party (HADEP), of whom one is the head of the Silopi district branch
and the other his secretary.
278. Following its field mission to Turkey in 1998, the Working Group expressed the view
that, although the total number of cases transmitted to the Government was relatively low, they
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 51
deserved particular attention with a view to improving the practices and behaviour of the security
forces. It recommended that, in this connection, the Government of Turkey should establish
rules and regulations for the conditions under which officials are authorized to detain persons.
The adoption of appropriate legislation to make all acts of enforced disappearance a crime under
Turkish law was strongly recommended. The Government of Turkey was also requested to
strengthen its cooperation with non-governmental organizations and organizations of relatives
and to take appropriate measures to provide sufficient guarantees for the performance of their
activities.
279. The newly reported case concerns a welder who was reportedly in gendarmerie detention
despite a judicial order that he be remanded to prison.
280. Non-governmental organizations expressed concern about the alleged harassment by the
authorities of members or supporters of legal political parties, including, in some cases, their
enforced disappearance. Reportedly, since the end of 2000, there has been a resumption of
unacknowledged arrests and the risk of enforced disappearance in the northern part of the
country, of representatives of the People's Democracy Party (HADEP), the successor to two
previous parties that were both reportedly closed down by the authorities on charges of
“separatism”. With regard to these allegations, the Government replied that some were
irrelevant to the mandate of the Working Group and others did not refer to any specific cases.
Should the Group consider that they fall within its mandate warranting serious probe, the
Government requested to be provided with the details so as to enable it to investigate into them
thoroughly.
281. During the period under review, the Government provided information on four
outstanding cases, including the newly reported case. In respect of two cases, including the
latter, the Government provided the name of the prison where the persons were to be found; with
regard to the two other cases, the Government provided death certificates and a copy of a
statement from the families certifying to their identities. The Working Group decided to apply
the six-month rule to all four cases.
282. Of the 85 cases clarified by the Working Group, 37 were clarified on the basis of
information provided by the Government and 48 on the basis of information provided by the
source. In respect of the 96 outstanding cases, the Working Group is unable to report on the fate
and whereabouts of the persons concerned.
Ukraine
283. During the period under review, no new cases of disappearance were transmitted by the
Working Group to the Government of Ukraine. During the same period, the Working Group
clarified one case on the basis of information provided by the Government, on which no
observations were received from the source. The body of the person concerned had been
identified and identification was subsequently confirmed by the family.
284. Three of the four reported cases occurred in 1995 and concern two brothers and a friend
who were allegedly arrested in Simpherolol, Crimea, by members of the security forces.
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 52
285. During the period under review, the Government reported on the findings of a special
inquiry conducted by the competent authorities in respect of three outstanding cases concerning
persons who had been allegedly abducted together. It was established that they had links with
members of organized criminal gangs in the Crimea; investigations into the crime were being
monitored by the Principal Administration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Autonomous
Republic of Crimea.
286. In respect of the three outstanding cases, the Working Group is unable to report on the
fate and whereabouts of the persons concerned.
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
287. During the period under review, the Working Group transmitted, for the first time, one
new case of disappearance to the Government of the United Kingdom. This case was only
recently transmitted and, in accordance with the methods of work of the Working Group, it must
be understood that the Government could not respond prior to the adoption of the present report.
288. The newly reported case concerns a Japanese national who was allegedly abducted
in 1983 in the United Kingdom by secret agents of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
In accordance with its methods of work, the Working Group sent a copy of the case to the
Government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. (See also section on the
Democratic People's Republic of Korea, paragraphs 84-85.)
United States of America
289. During the period under review, the Working Group transmitted, for the first time, one
new case of disappearance to the Government of the United States of America, which reportedly
occurred in 2002 and was sent under the urgent action procedure. This case was only recently
transmitted and, in accordance with the methods of work of the Working Group, it must be
understood that the Government could not respond prior to the adoption of the present report.
290. The newly reported case concerns a telecommunications engineer, a citizen of Canada,
who was reportedly detained by United States Immigration and Natural Service (Th15) officials at
New York's Kennedy Airport on 26 September 2002 while in transit to Montreal from Tunisia.
He was reportedly questioned at the airport for about nine hours without a lawyer and accused of
having links to al-Qa'idah, a charge his family denies. He was then allegedly taken to the
Metropolitan Detention Centre (MDC) in New York, where he had been visited by his lawyer
and Canadian consular officials before he disappeared.
291. In the past, in accordance with its methods of work, the Working Group sent copies of
four reported cases of disappearances to the Government of the United States of America: three
reportedly occurred in 1983 in Honduras and concern United States citizens who were leaders of
the Revolutionary Party of Central American Workers-Honduras (PRTC-H), including a
Jesuit priest. Allegedly, the United States army and/or CIA personnel, and also perhaps the
Nicaraguan Contras, who were based in Honduras at the time, may have helped the Honduran
army in the operation during which they reportedly disappeared. (See section on Honduras,
paragraphs 120-124.) One other case, also concerns a United States citizen, and reportedly
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 53
occurred in 2001 near the Israeli settlement of Ofrah on territory under the Palestine Authority,
the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) were allegedly responsible for his disappearance. (See section
on the Palestine Authority, paragraphs 319-321.)
Uruguay
292. During the period under review, no new cases of disappearance were transmitted by the
Working Group to the Government of Uruguay.
293. The majority of the 31 reported cases of disappearance occurred between 1975 and 1978
under the military Government, in the context of its fight against alleged subversion. It should
be noted that the Working Group has received no reports of disappearances in Uruguay
after 1982. One case concerns the son of an Uruguayan refugee in Argentina who reportedly
disappeared in 1976 in Argentina, the 20-day-old infant was allegedly taken away from the
mother when she was arrested during a joint operation by the Argentine and Uruguayan police
forces. Members of the Uruguayan police who had allegedly participated in the joint operation
were reported to be still living at liberty in Uruguay. (See also section on Argentina,
paragraphs 29-34.)
294. During the period under review, the Working Group received reports expressing concern
about what was described as the lack of independence of the Commission for Peace and the
absence of powers to summon witnesses. Concern was also expressed about an alleged
interference by the Government in the functioning of the judiciary which is currently
investigating cases of disappearance in Uruguay. It is alleged that Judge Eduardo Cavalli had
been subjected to attacks by the Government because of his decision to try Mr. Juan Carlos
Blanco, former Minister of Foreign Affairs under the dictatorship, for the disappearance of
Ms. Elena Quintero. This indictment was made possible by the fact that the amnesty law (Ley de
Caducidad de la Pretension Puiiitiva del Estado) applies only to members of the military and the
security forces, not to civilians.
295. During the period under review, the Working Group met with representatives of the
Government of Uruguay, including a member of Commission for Peace, and exchanged views
with regard to the 23 outstanding cases. The representatives provided information on the steps
taken by the Government to resolve these cases. A Commission for Peace, conceived as an
administrative rather than a judicial body, had been established in 2000 to receive, analyse,
classify and compile information on enforced disappearances that had occurred during the
dictatorship with a view to establishing the fate or whereabouts of the persons concerned. The
outcome of a political agreement between the Government and the opposition, the Commission
worked in close cooperation with the families of the disappeared, and has been able to obtain the
cooperation of members of the military. The result has been a high number of clarifications. Of
the 28 cases submitted to it, the circumstances of the death of 26 persons had been elucidated;
some of these cases had not been brought to the attention of the Working Group. The
investigations had established that 21 persons had been held in secret detention centres located in
military compounds and had died as a consequence of torture. Although, in most cases, it would
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 54
not be possible to carry out an exhumation of the bodies, the families would be informed of their
possible locations. Another person was found alive and living in Venezuela. For one other
person, there was insufficient information to prove the allegations. A list of these cases was
provided. Its final report would be released by the end of the year. At the request of the
Working Group, the Government provided a copy of an open letter, dated 1 March 2000,
addressed to the President of the Republic by the Mothers and Relatives of Detained and
Disappeared Citizens of Uruguay (FEDEFAM-Uruguay).
296. In the past, the Working Group clarified eight cases, of which seven were clarified on the
basis of information provided by the Government and one on the basis of the information
provided by the source. In respect of the 23 outstanding cases, the Working Group is unable to
report on the fate and whereabouts of the persons concerned.
Uzbekistan
297. During the period under review, no new cases of disappearance were transmitted by the
Working Group to the Government of Uzbekistan.
298. Of the 12 reported cases of disappearance, 2 concern an Islamic religious leader and his
assistant who were reportedly detained in 1995 by the National Security Service in Tashkent as
they were waiting to board an international flight, another concerns the leader of the Islamic
Renaissance Party, reportedly an unregistered political party, who was allegedly arrested in 1992
by men believed to be government agents, one other case occurred in 2001 and concerns the
Chairman of the State joint-stock company Uzkhleboproduct, who allegedly left for a meeting of
Cabinet ministers and failed to return home.
299. During the period under review, the Government provided information on 10 outstanding
cases. In five cases, the persons concerned had been arrested and sentenced to imprisonment for
organizing a criminal association, the activities of which were aimed at unconstitutionally
changing the existing State order and seizing power. In two cases, the persons concerned had
checked in at the airport and had proceeded to take their seats on the flight to Moscow, but were
not among the disembarking passengers. Since their whereabouts could not be established, the
proceedings had been halted under the relevant article of the code of criminal procedure. In
another case, investigations did not lead to the identification of a person or persons to be charged
with the offence and the case was closed. In yet another case, criminal proceedings initiated
against the person concerned had been halted on the grounds that the whereabouts of the accused
were unknown. In one other case, the person had been released on Presidential pardon.
300. In respect of the 12 outstanding cases, the Working Group is unable to report on the fate
and whereabouts of the persons concerned.
Venezuela
301. During the period under review, no new cases of disappearance were transmitted to the
Government of Venezuela by the Working Group.
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 55
302. Of the 14 reported cases of disappearance, 3 concern student leaders who had reportedly
been intercepted by security forces in 1991 during a commercial fishing expedition, one
concerns a businessman arrested by the police in 1991 in Valencia City, Carabobo; another
concerns a 14-year-old girl who was allegedly abducted in 1993 following a military raid on her
house in the peasant community of 5 de Julio, municipality of Catatumbo, State of Zulia, one
concerns a person who was allegedly detained in 1995 in the vicinity of Puerto Ayacucho, State
of Amazona, by members of the navy infantry, following incidents in which eight Venezuelan
soldiers were reportedly ambushed and killed by Colombian guerrillas.
303. During the period under review, the Government provided information on nine
outstanding cases: in five cases, the Public Prosecutor's Office had delegated to the District
Attorney the task of completing the procedures and taking appropriate action, and had sent an
official communication to the Chief of the Department of Disappeared Persons from the Office
of Criminal, Forensic and Scientific Investigations; in two cases, the District Attorney had
presented formal criminal charges against the alleged perpetrators for the crime of forced
disappearance; in two other cases, the criminal action was at a preliminary stage.
304. In the past, the Working Group clarified four cases on the basis of information provided
by the Government. In respect of the 10 outstanding cases, the Group is still unable to report on
the fate and whereabouts of the persons concerned.
Yemen
305. During the period under review, no new cases of disappearance were transmitted by the
Working Group to the Government of Yemen.
306. The majority of the 150 reported cases of disappearance occurred in 1986 in the context
of the fighting which took place in the former People's Democratic Republic of Yemen, many
others occurred in the context of the 1994 civil war.
307. Following its field mission to Yemen in 1998, the Working Group recommended that the
Government consider establishing a special task force of the Supreme National Committee on
Human Rights for setting up a database of all disappeared persons, their family members, any
court decisions declaring the disappeared persons to be presumed dead, and any benefits or
social allowances paid to the families in compensation for the disappearance. It also
recommended that the task force further develop procedures in order to take the necessary legal
steps for the clarification of all cases.
308. During the period under review, the Working Group met with representatives of the
Government of Yemen and engaged in an exchange of views with regard to the 149 outstanding
cases. The representatives reported that the Supreme National Committee on Human Rights was
the body in charge of the matter and that various steps had been taken to ascertain the
whereabouts both of the persons concerned and of their families. In a number of cases, the
families had been located and arrangements made for the payment of compensation. In
accordance with the law of the country, the children of those who died in service will receive
compensation and priority admittance to schools and universities will be given; the wife will
receive compensation until her death. The Government requested that these cases be clarified
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 56
unless objections are received from the families. With regard to other cases, the Government
explained the difficulties that it faced in identifying the persons or their families; there is no
national registry and births and deaths are often not properly registered in the country. However,
advertisements had been placed in various newspapers, particularly in respect of those persons
reported to have disappeared during the 1986 turmoil. With regard to these cases, the
Government requested the Working Group to provide it with further information, specifically on
their identities so as to ensure that they actually exist.
309. During the period under review the Government, by letter dated 12 July 2002, provided
information on the steps taken to clarify the 149 outstanding cases as well as to follow up on the
measures agreed upon between the Government and the Working Group. The Working Group
was unable to consider the reply because a translation was not made available in time.
310. In the past, the Working Group clarified one case on the basis of the information
provided by the source. In respect of 149 outstanding cases, the Working Group is unable to
report on the fate and whereabouts of the persons concerned.
Observations
311. The Working Group unfortunately found it impossible to comment on this important
communication because of the lack of administrative support in providing a timely translation.
The Working Group nevertheless wishes to remind the Government of Yemen of its obligation
to take all measures necessary to prevent further cases of disappearance, to investigate all
outstanding cases and to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Yugoslavia
312. During the period under review, no new cases of disappearance were transmitted by the
Working Group to the Government of Yugoslavia. During the same period, the Working Group
clarified one case on the basis of information provided by the Government to the effect that the
person concerned had been released from prison and transferred to Kosovo under the auspices of
the International Committee of the Red Cross, and on which no observations were received from
the source.
313. The 16 reported cases of disappearance occurred in 1999 and 2000. They concern a
group of men who were allegedly detained in 1999 while travelling by bus from the province of
Kosovo to Albania through Montenegro, a former President of Serbia who reportedly
disappeared in Belgrade in August 2000; and the Chairperson of the Kosovo-Albanian Women's
League.
314. During the period under review, the secretariat of the Working Group was unable to send
out reminders to the Government of Yugoslavia in respect of the 15 outstanding cases. It is
unable to report on the fate and whereabouts of the persons concerned.
Zimbabwe
315. During the period under review, the Working Group transmitted two new cases of
disappearance to the Government of Zimbabwe.
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 57
316. The one case of disappearance reported in the past occurred in 2000 and concerns a
polling officer for the opposition Movement for Democratic Change who was allegedly abducted
in Bulawayo.
317. The two newly reported cases occurred in 1986 and concern a mother and
her 2-month-old son who were allegedly abducted by persons believed to belong to the
Zimbabwe African National Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) and were last seen a week later at
the home of the Chairman of ZANIJ-PF. Relatives and witnesses have allegedly been subject
to threats, forms of intimidation and reprisals.
318. During the period under review, no new information was received from the Government
in respect of the three outstanding cases. The Working Group is, therefore, unable to report on
the fate and whereabouts of the persons concerned.
Palestinian Authority
319. During the period under review, no new cases were transmitted by the Working Group to
the Palestinian Authority.
320. Of the three reported cases of disappearance, two reportedly occurred in 1997: one
concerns a person who was allegedly taken away from his sister's home in Deir-al-Balah by
persons who had identified themselves as military intelligence officers; the other concerns a real
estate agent, the father of five children, who allegedly disappeared after his arrest by members of
the Palestinian military intelligence in Ramallah. A recent case reportedly occurred in 2001 and
concerns a United States citizen of Palestinian descent who allegedly disappeared near the Israeli
settlement of Ofrah: eyewitness accounts and a blue tape found on his car, abandoned near the
settlement, indicated that it had been searched for explosives by Israeli Defence Forces (IDF). In
accordance with the methods of work of the Working Group, a copy of the case was also sent to
the Government of Israel and to the Government of the United States of America. (See also
section on United States of America, paragraphs 289-291.)
321. To date, no information has been received from the Palestinian Authority with regard to
the three outstanding cases. The Working Group is, therefore, unable to report on the fate and
whereabouts of the persons concerned.
III. COUNTRIES IN WHICH ALL REPORTED CASES
OF DISAPPEARANCE HAVE BEEN CLARIFIED
Angola
322. During the period under review, the Working Group clarified the only outstanding case
of disappearance transmitted to the Government of Angola, on the basis of the information
provided by the Government, certifying the death of the person concerned, on which no
objection was received from the source. The case concerns a person who was allegedly arrested
in 1976 by the Popular Defence Organization (DDP Militia).
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 58
IV. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
323. Despite the fact that 5,255 cases have been clarified in the last five years, the
Working Group still confronts a backlog of 41,636 outstanding cases. During 2002, the
Group has received concrete assistance and strong cooperation from a number of
Governments, notably Algeria, Angola, India, Lebanon, Mexico, Morocco and Sri Lanka.
The Working Group remains, nonetheless, very concerned that, of the 78 countries with
outstanding cases, some Governments (Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, the Congo,
Equatorial Guinea, Guinea, Israel, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, Tajikistan
and Togo), as well as the Palestinian Authority, have never replied to its requests for
information or reminders.
324. In particular, the Working Group notes with great concern the complete failure of
Iraq to cooperate in any way with the investigation of enforced and involuntary
disappearances within that State. This matter is especially troubling because Iraq
represents the largest single collection of unresolved cases reported to the Working
Group - 16,384. Many of these cases date back to the 1980s. In the past, the Government
of Iraq provided information to clarify 107 cases, but no assistance has been forthcoming
for a number of years.
325. In the course of the considerable experience acquired in dealing with cases of
disappearance over more than 20 years, the Group has established the disparate contexts
likely to promote the phenomenon of enforced disappearances, certain of which are
associated with the State policies of authoritarian regimes. This was the situation which
brought the Working Group into existence in the 1980s. A much more complex situation is
the one which derives from internal conflict or tensions engendering violence and human
rights violations among which the phenomenon of enforced disappearances must be
counted. This is the dramatic case of a country like Colombia today where the prevention
of disappearances is closely linked to finding a solution to the internal conflict.
326. In certain circumstances - namely when the events leading to an alleged
disappearance take place in one State and the disappeared is taken to another State, or
when the act of enforced disappearance is committed by forces from one State on the
territory of a different sovereign State - the Working Group requests the cooperation of
more than one Government in clarifying a case. Various allegations have been received by
the Group over the years involving situations of this kind. The most recent concerns eight
individuals of Japanese nationality who were, allegedly, kidnapped some years ago in
Japan or Europe by North Korean agents and taken to the territory of the
Democratic People's Republic of Korea. In such circumstances, the cases are classified
by the Working Group as originating in the State where the alleged disappearance
occurred, or where the disappeared person was last seen by a reliable witness.
327. Cooperation between the Working Group and the Governments concerned is
essential for the clarification of cases of disappearance. Moreover, experience
demonstrates that, when Governments take steps internally to create or strengthen
independent bodies in order to clarify cases of disappearance, highly positive results are
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 59
possible. The establishment of specific bodies with the task of investigating disappearances
or of truth commissions are examples of concrete action. Such steps should be strongly
encouraged and supported.
328. Nonetheless, the crucial prior action can be equated with effective preventive
measures, such as those provided for in the Declaration on the Protection of All Persons
from Enforced Disappearance of 1992 and the Inter-American Convention on Forced
Disappearance of Persons of 1994. The Working Group expresses again its support for the
steps taken to prepare a draft convention on disappearance and recommends to the
Commission that it finalize, without further delay, the process for drafting this instrument.
329. Turning to consideration of preventive measures, the Group highlights the
following: accessible and updated registries of detainees; guaranteed access to appropriate
information and to places of detention for relatives and lawyers of persons deprived of
their liberty; ensuring that persons are brought before a judicial authority promptly
following detention; bringing to justice all persons accused of having committed acts of
enforced disappearances, guaranteeing their trial only by competent civilian courts and
ensuring that they do not benefit from any special amnesty law or other similar measures
likely to provide exemption from criminal proceedings or sanctions; and providing redress
and adequate compensation to victims and their families. It is evident from the foregoing
that the Working Group is convinced that ending impunity for the perpetrators of enforced
or involuntary disappearances is a circumstance pivotal, not only to the pursuit of justice,
but to effective prevention.
330. Severe constraints in staff resources of the Working Group have profoundly
affected the implementation of its mandate, impeding consideration of more
than 3,000 new cases, analysing over 12,000 replies provided by Governments
and 200 comments thereon submitted by the sources. Over the past 10 years, the Working
Group has drawn attention to the increasingly difficult circumstances in which the
secretariat is called upon to function. If no solution is found to the staffing crisis, the
Working Group is deeply concerned that it will cease to function as an effective instrument
of the Commission on Human Rights.
V. ADOPTION OF THE REPORT AND SEPARATE OPINION
OF ONE MEMBER OF THE WORKING GROUP
331. At the 10th meeting of its sixty-eighth session, on 8 November 2002, the present report
was adopted by the members of the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances:
Diego Garcia Sayán (Chairman-Rapporteur) (Peru)
Ivan Tosevski (The former Yugoslav
Republic of Macedonia)
Stephen Toope (Canada)
[ Joel M'Bayo Adekanye (Nigeria) and Anuar Zainal Abidin (Malaysia) were not present at the
sixty-sixth, sixty-seventh and sixty-eighth sessions.]
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 60
332. Ivan Tosevski wishes to express the following separate opinion to be added to the
Working Group's report:
“I strongly object to the present report, which is not in conformity with the request of the
General Assembly, contained in its resolutions 37/4 C of 22 November 1982 and
47/202 B of 22 December 1992.”
Notes
1 Since its creation in 1980, the Working Group has submitted a report annually to the
Commission on Human Rights, starting at the Commission's thirty-seventh session. The
document symbols of the previous 22 reports are as follows: E/CN.4/1435 and Add.1;
E/CN.4/1492 and Add.1; E/CN.4/1983/14; E/CN.4/1984/21 and Add.1 and 2; E/CN.4/1985/15
and Add.1; E/CN.4/1986/18 and Add.1; E/CN.4/1987/15 and Add.1 and Corr.1, E/CN.4/1988/19
and Add.1; E/CN.4/1989/18 and Add.1; E/CN.4/1990/13; E/CN.4/1991/20 and Add.1;
E/CN.4/1992/18 and Add.1; E/CN.4/1993/25 and Add.1; E/CN.4/1994/26 and Add.1 and Corr.1
and 2; E/CN.4/1 995/36; E/CN.4/1 996/38; E/CN.4/1 997/34; E/CN.4/1 998/43; E/CN.4/1 999/62
and Add.1 and 2; E/CN.4/2000/64 and Corr.1 and 2 and Add.1 ; E/CN.4/2001/68, and
E/CN.4/2002/79 and the relevant addenda and corrigenda. The relevant resolution of the
Commission adopted at its fifty-eighth session is resolution 2002/41.
2 General Assembly resolution 47/133 of 18 December 1992. Hereinafter referred to as
the “Declaration”.
ANNEXES
Annex I
Decisions on individual cases taken by the Working Group during 2002
p
CD
c .
C
C
—a
C
Countries
Cases which
allegedly occurred
in 2002
Cases transmitted to the Government
during 2002
Clarifications by:
Discontinued
cases
Urgent actions
Normal actions
Government
Non-governmental sources
Algeria
1
1
12
2
1
0
Angola
0
0
0
1
0
0
Argentina
7
7
0
0
0
0
Cameroon
0
0
0
3
0
0
China
1
1
1
5
0
0
Colombia
9
14
0
1
2
0
Democratic People's Republic of Korea
0
0
1
0
0
0
Guatemala
1
1
0
63
0
0
India
1
1
0
0
0
0
Indonesia
5
5
0
0
1
0
Iran
1
1
0
0
1
0
Japan
0
0
4
0
0
0
Lebanon
0
0
3
0
0
0
Mexico
7
6
1
14
0
0
Myanmar
0
0
1
0
0
0
Nepal
14
24
4
0
5
0
Pakistan
0
0
0
2
0
0
Philippines
4
0
6
0
0
0
Russia
10
2
9
0
0
0
Rwanda
0
0
1
0
0
0
Spain
0
0
4
0
0
0
Sudan
0
0
0
198
0
0
Syria
0
0
4
0
0
0
Tunisia
1
0
1
0
0
0
Turkey
0
1
0
1
0
0
Ukrarne
0
0
0
1
0
0
UnitedKingdom
0
0
1
0
0
0
United States of America
1
1
0
0
0
0
Yugoslavia
0
0
0
1
0
0
Zimbabwe
0
0
2
0
0
0
Afghanistan 2 - 2 - - - - - -
Algeria 1 1 115 17 1099 15 9 7 7 2 7
Angola 7 1 - - 7 - - - 7
Argentina 2 3 462 772 3 384 749 43 35 49 - 29
Bangladesh 1 1 1 1 - - - - -
Bahrain 1 - - - - 1 - 1 -
Belams 3 - 3 - - - - - -
Bolivia 48 3 28 3 19 1 19 - 1
Brazil 3 57 4 8 - 45 4 1 - 48
Bulgaria 3 - - - 3 - - - 3
Burkina Faso 3 - 3 - - - - - -
Bumndi 53 - 52 - - 1 1 - -
Cambodia 2 - 2 - - - - - -
Cameroon 18 - 14 - 4 - 4 - -
Chad 13 - 12 - 1 - - - 1
Chile 912 67 844 67 45 23 2 - 66
China 4 107 7 38 4 60 9 43 25 1
Colombia 1128 104 867 78 199 62 157 24 80
Congo 31 1 31 1 - - - - -
Cyprus - - - - - - - - -
Annex II
Statistical summary:
Cases of enforced or involuntary disappearance reported to the Working Group between 1980 and 2002
Countries!
entities
Cases transmitted to the Government
Clarification by:
Status of person at date of
clarification
Discontinued
cases
Total
Outstanding
Government
Non-
governmental
sources
At
liberty
In
detentio
n
Dead
No. of
cases
Female
No. of
cases
Female
tT1
C D
c .
Countries!
entities
Cases transmitted to the Government
Clarification by:
Status of person at date of
clarification
Discontinued
cases
Total
Outstanding
Government
Non-
governmental
sources
At
liberty
In
detentio
n
Dead
No. of
cases
Female
No. of
cases
Female
Democratic People's 1 1 1 1 - - -
Republic of Korea
Democratic Republic 51 11 42 11 6 3 9
of the Congo
Denmark 1 - - 1 - 1
Dominican Republic 4 - 2 2 - 2 - -
Ecuador 23 2 8 11 4 6 4 5
Egypt 20 - 12 - 7 1 1 7 -
ElSalvador 5 2661 332 2270 295 318 73 196 175 20
Equatorial Guinea 3 - 3 -
6
Eritrea
Ethiopia 114 2 112 1 1 1 1 1 -
Gambia 1 - - - 1 - -
Greece 3 - 3 - - - - -
Guatemala 7 3 152 387 2 920 378 153 79 164 6 62
Guinea 28 - 21 - - 7 - 7
Haiti 48 1 38 1 9 1 1 4 5
Honduras 202 34 132 21 30 40 54 8 8
India 8 351 12 301 10 40 10 22 7 21
C
Indonesia 145 2 142 2 3 - 3 -
Iran (Islamic 517 99 501 99 13 3 5 2 9
Republic of)
Iraq 16514 2311 16384 2294 107 23 115 6 9
Israel 3 - 2 - - 1
Japan 4 2 4 2 - -
Countries!
entities
Cases transmitted to the Government
Clarification by:
Status of person at date of
clarification
Discontinued
cases
Total
Outstanding
Government
Non-
governmental
sources
At
liberty
In
detentio
n
Dead
No. of
cases
Female
No. of
cases
Female
Jordan 2 - 2 - - -
Kazakhstan 2 - - - 2
Kuwait 1 - 1 - - -
Lao People's 6 - 6 - - -
Democratic Republic
Lebanon 315 19 307 19 2 6 7 1
LibyanArab 4 - 3 - - 1 1
Jamahiriya
Malaysia 2 1 1 1
Mauritania 1 - 1 - - - - - -
Mexico 372 27 205 17 133 18 73 17 61 16
Morocco 249 28 115 10 88 46 117 1 16
Mozambique 2 - 2 - - - - -
Myanmar 3 1 1 - 2 - 1 1 -
Namibia 1 - 1 - - - - -
Nepal 136 16 110 14 3 23 22 4 -
Nicaragua 9 234 4 103 2 112 19 45 11 75
Nigeria 6 - 1 1 5 - 5 -
Pakistan 83 2 76 2 3 4 5 2 -
Paraguay 23 - 3 - 20 - 19 1
Peru 10 3006 311 2368 236 253 385 450 85 103
Philippines 668 80 511 60 124 33 103 19 29
Romania 1 - - 1 - 1
Russian Federation 223 11 222 11 - 1 1
Rwanda 22 2 20 2 - 2 1 1
tT1
C D
c .
Countries!
entities
Cases transmitted to the Government
Clarification by:
Status of person at date of
clarification
Discontinued
cases
Total
Outstanding
Government
Non-
governmental
sources
At
liberty
In
detentio
n
Dead
No. of
cases
Female
No. of
cases
Female
SaudiArabia 3 - 2 - 1 - 1
Seychelles 3 - 3 - - - -
SouthAfrica 11 1 - 3 2 1 1 3 6
Spain 4 - 4 - - - - -
SriLanka 11 12297 148 7335 135 4923 39 97 24 4841
Sudan 12 267 35 64 4 200 3 203 -
SyrianArab 36 3 12 3 11 13 16 4 4
13
Republic
Tajikistan 8 - 6 - - 2 1 1
Thailand 34 - 34 - - - - -
Timor-Leste 14 454 36 378 28 58 18 51 23 2
Togo 11 2 10 2 - 1 1 - -
Tunisia 16 1 1 - 11 4 - 15 -
Turkey 181 11 96 4 37 48 51 21 13
Turkmenistan 2 - - 2 - - 2 -
Uganda 61 34 54 32 2 5 2 5 -
Ukraine 4 2 3 2 1 - - 1
C
UnitedArab 1 - - 1 - 1 -
Emirates
C
United Kingdom 1 1 1 1 - - -
United Republic of 2 - - 2 - 2
Tanzania
United States of 1 0 1 0
America
Uruguay 31 7 23 4 7 1 4 4
Countries!
entities
Cases transmitted to the Government
Clarification by:
Status of person at date of
clarification
Discontinued
cases
Total
Outstanding
Government
Non-
governmental
sources
At
liberty
In
detentio
n
Dead
No. of
cases
Female
No. of
cases
Female
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Yemen
Yugoslavia
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Pale stinian Authority
12
14
150
16
1
3
3
-
2
-
-
1
-
-
12
10
149
15
-
3
3
-
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
4
-
1
-
-
-
-
1
-
1
-
-
1
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
1
-
3
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Notes
1 The Working Group removed 31 multiple entries of cases from its database; it is currently reviewing the figures for cases transmitted
in the past with a view to ensuring their accuracy.
2 The figures are being reviewed for accuracy.
A review of the figures for cases transmitted to the Government indicates that a total of 57 cases were transmitted in the past, of
which 45 cases were clarified on the basis of information provided by the Government and 4 on the basis of information provided
by the source.
The Working Group removed a multiple entry relating to one case from its database.
The figures are being reviewed for accuracy.
6 Twenty cases that were transmitted to the Government but not included in the statistical table of previous reports, are reflected
in the present annex.
tT1
CJQ
C D
c .
Li.)
The figures are being reviewed for accuracy.
8 The Working Group removed eight multiple entries of cases from its database; three other cases that were not reflected in
last year's report have been included in the present statistical table. The Working Group is currently reviewing the exact figure
in relation to cases transmitted to the Government in the past with a view to ensuring their accuracy.
The figures are being reviewed for accuracy.
10 The figures are being reviewed for accuracy.
The figures are being reviewed for accuracy.
12 The figures are being reviewed for accuracy.
13 The figures are being reviewed for accuracy.
1 -4 The figures are being reviewed for accuracy.
tT1
CJQ
c .
Li.)
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 68
Annex III
Graphs showing the development of disappearances in countries with more
than 100 transmitted cases during the period 1973-2002
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 69
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
5
0 —
92
46
340 339
91
1134
4 3 1
93 94 95 96 97 98 99 2000 2002
ARGENTINA
100
ii:i:i:ii:i:iii:
:
1 1 1 1 2 7
ALGERIA
lIr
1392
- 1181
1500
1300
1100
900
700
500
300
100
-100
322
Note : These graphs provide an illustration of the trend in disappearances
reported to the Working Group during 197 1-2002.
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 70
CHILE
500
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
73
0
23
20
15
10
S
0
88
259
15
3 4 2 1 5 1
77 78 79-80 81 82-83 84 85 86 87 88 89
CHINA
25
11
10
8
8
7
6
S
2
2
1
1
89 90 91
92 93 94 95 96
97
98
99
2000
2001
2002
Note : These graphs provide an illustration of the trend in disappearances
reported to the Working Group during 197 1-2002.
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
COLOMBIA
97
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 71
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
EL SALVADOR
88
82
78
86
-
72
-
58
51
27
17
602
481
485
339
130
126
36
is is 16
29
46 42
25
2
0
Note : These graphs provide an illustration of the trend in disappearances
reported to the Working Group during 197 1-2002.
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 72
ETH lOP IA
50
47
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
17
.
I
I
1 ,
U
I
I
54
LI L Ii 1
—
1
—
III
,, 4
• 2
••.
1
—
1
—
S
0
78
79 80—81 82 83—84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99
522
500
400
490
424
364
300
290
200
100
153
64
52
0
29
13
4
1
78 79 80 81 82
83
84
85
86
87 88 89 90 91
92
93
94
95
2002
GUATE MALA
Note : These graphs provide an illustration of the trend in disappearances
reported to the Working Group during 197 1-2002.
E/CN.4/2003/70
HONDURAS
INDIA
60
60
50
40
30
20
10
42
42
40
33
20
19
19
20
12
10
14
2
1 1
0
Note : These graphs provide an illustration of the trend in disappearances
reported to the Working Group during 197 1-2002.
70
page 73
40
30
20
H-
10
.
-
I
I
.
150
IRAN
13
12 1
— . — —
1 1 2 1 1
— —
r
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 74
60
50
INDONESIA
130
110
90
70
50
30
10
-10
133
88
78
.11
..
Note : These graphs provide an illustration of the trend in disappearances
reported to the Working Group during 197 1-2002.
IRAQ
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 75
Note : These graphs provide an illustration of the trend in disappearances
reported to the Working Group during 197 1-2002.
11546
14000
12000
10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0
2444
—
849 60 34 21 18
424 395
2 0 1 1 3 48 —
. — — I —
556
6 6 1 2 5 87
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 76
60
MEXICO
Note : These graphs provide an illustration of the trend in disappearances
reported to the Working Group during 197 1-2002.
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 77
NEPAL
40 Jo
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0 —
85 93
94-97
98 99 2000 2001 2002
Note : These graphs provide an illustration of the trend in disappearances
reported to the Working Group during 197 1-2002.
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 78
500
450 -
400 -
350 -
300 -
250 -
200 -
150 -
Ho
L2
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
451
PERU
433
413
!
288
256
208
195
134
37
13 10 s 1 2
PHILIPPINES
Si . t.
RUSSIAN FEDERATION
—
92 93 94 95 96 97-99 2000
a
2001 2002
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
—
I
I
I
I
Note : These graphs provide an illustration of the trend in disappearances
reported to the Working Group during 197 1-2002.
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 79
1 1
2
252
SUDAN
1 1 1 3
91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 2000 2001
SRI LANKA
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
Note : These graphs provide an illustration of the trend in disappearances
reported to the Working Group during 197 1-2002.
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 80
250
200
150
100
0
TIMOR-LESTE
219
43 - -
1 2
! !
27
•
! • !
00
I I
1
_
4
87 88 89
‘JU jj
22
4 iiii
90 91 92 95 96 97
77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85-
TURKEY
63
70
6O
5 Oi
4 Oi
2 Oi_________________ _______
1 OJ
4
IIIII I I;I
—
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 2000 2001
I
I
I
30
#)6
ill.
14
—
cn
Note : These graphs provide an illustration of the trend in disappearances
reported to the Working Group during 197 1-2002.
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
YEMEN
E/CN.4/2003/70
page 81
101
8 8
1 2 1 3 2 1
• • !_ ! !_ ! • ! ! ! !
I I
2
71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79-81 82 83 84-85 86 87-93 94 95-97 98
Note : These graphs provide an illustration of the trend in disappearances
reported to the Working Group during 197 1-2002.
