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15 December 2023
Our latest Research Brief The Committee on Enforced Disappearances' General Comment on Enforced Disappearance in the Context of Migration delves into the content and genesis of the recent General Comment issued by the United Nations (UN) Committee on Enforced Disappearances (CED).
‘This brief forms part of our collaboration with UN treaty bodies (TBs) through the Treaty Body Members' Platform and serves as a commentary on this new General Comment (GC). Lene Guercke, the author, critically assesses the significance and potential future use of this authoritative interpretation of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED)’ explains Felix Kirchmeier, Executive Director of the Geneva Human Rights Platform.
Geneva Academy
Portrait of Lene Guerke
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The brief explains the rationale behind the first GC issued by the CED – which provides detailed guidance on states’ obligations to prevent and address (enforced) disappearances along migration routes – and comments on its content.
‘As restrictions to regular and safe migration paths and asylum increase, migrants, including refugees, choose more dangerous routes and risk becoming victims of human rights violations. Thousands go missing each year, leaving relatives with the agony of not knowing what happened to their loved ones. The CED GC on Enforced Disappearance in the Context of Migration highlights that among the growing numbers of ‘missing’ migrants, some may be victims of a disappearance or enforced disappearance as defined in the ICPPED. It therefore represents an important contribution to debates and actions to protect the human rights of migrants in the current migration crisis and complements existing instruments, such as the Global Compact on Migration, which generally only refers to ‘missing’ migrants’ underlines Lene Guercke.
‘Through this brief, we aim to equip all stakeholders engaged in this subject with additional tools and understanding for the ICPPED effective implementation in the context of migration. This effort extends from prior collaboration with the CED on this GC, as part of our TBMP. The Geneva Human Rights Platform played a crucial role in supporting the Committee during the drafting process by facilitating a one-week informal session and contributing background research on migration and enforced disappearances’ says Felix Krichmeier.
‘We will continue our support to TBs, not only in accompanying them to continuously improve and harmonize their working methods but also by providing substantive input on current issues of concern. Informal discussions of this nature and independent background research are key to ensure the effective functioning and strengthening of the UN TB system’ he adds.
Geneva Academy
The Geneva Human Rights Platform contributed to key discussions on AI, human rights, and sustainable digital governance at the World Economic Forum 2025.
CCPR Centre
Via its DHRTTDs Directory, the Geneva Human Rights Platform provides a comprehensive list and description of such key tools and databases. But how to navigate them? Which tool should be used for what, and by whom? This interview helps us understand better the specificities of the current highlight of the directory: ICCPR Follow-up World Maps
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This Human Rights Conversation will bring together leading organizations and experts in the field, delving into specific tools, databases, and approaches that can enhance human rights monitoring and implementation.
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This event will identify strategies to strengthen Local and Regional Government collaboration with National Mechanisms for Implementation, Reporting, and Follow-up.
This training course will delve into the means and mechanisms through which national actors can best coordinate their human rights monitoring and implementation efforts, enabling them to strategically navigate the UN human rights system and use the various mechanisms available in their day-to-day work.
Olivier Chamard/Geneva Academy
The GHRP Briefings provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to discuss the results of the United Nations (UN) Treaty Body (TB) 2020 Review and practical ways to implement change.
Adobe
To unpack the challenges raised by artificial intelligence, this project will target two emerging and under-researched areas: digital military technologies and neurotechnology.
Geneva Academy
Geneva Academy