International Day of the Disappeared
“Forced disappearances and family separations must stop”
The international day of the disappeared on 30th august allows us to remember, respect and commit to our missing individuals and their families in both Iraq and the Kurdistan region.
As we know Iraq, like tens of other nations around the world, is plagued with violence, war and instability - both domestic and external. Today, Iraq is unfortunately still a victim of this situation - people are suffering daily, and the Kurdistan region regrettably has had a lion's share of these atrocities.
It is obvious that war, conflict and violence are the major contributors towards the loss of contact and disappearance of individuals. Hence, it is fitting that we do more to address this issue (cause) and the families of the missing.
We must to do this through proper scientific methods, with respect to specific rules adhering to public international law and under suitable jurisdiction.
To this end, we feel it is necessary that this day is kept alive and remembered every year to help end this tragic human situation in both Iraq and the Kurdistan region. Thus, it is also necessary that we raise awareness and educate the families on how to continue to fight for the recovery of their loved ones in a systematic manner, conscious of their legal rights and the laws designed to this end. We should also try to pass new legislation to help take care of the victims and their families.