Children as victims of enforced disappearances.

 This session included powerful testimonies from panelists who were affected by enforced disappearances as children. They shared their personal experiences, family histories, and expertise on the subject. Children can become victims of enforced disappearances in three distinct ways: first, when they themselves are forcibly disappeared by State forces, second when they are born in captivity, and third, when their family members are subjected to enforced disappearances. The contributions clearly demonstrated that guaranteeing the rights of children who are victims of enforced disappearances requires a comprehensive, integrated approach. The panelists shed light on various regions and contexts, while highlighting recurring patterns and similar challenges worldwide.

Some of the common threads included : 

 • The continuing nature of enforced disappearances and transgenerational impact: The ongoing nature of enforced disappearances means that their impact persists into adulthood for those who were victims as children. This can take various forms. For examples persons who were raised outside their biological families might struggle with identity and family relationships. Providing space and support for these individuals is crucial. Professional psychological assistance is often unavailable in many contexts, but many victims have found comfort through connections with others in similar situations. 

• The need for tailored support: Children who are victims of enforced disappearances often face unique legal, socio-economic and psychological challenges. As families often struggle to provide evidence of the disappearance, children may face difficulty in gaining legal recognition, including issues with citizenship, accessing financial resources and property, or education. Additionally, they frequently encounter discrimination and stigma, particularly in countries where the disappearance of a family member carries social shame. Addressing these issues requires tailored support programs. 

• The cross-border nature of enforced disappearances: In some contexts, such as illegal international adoptions, enforced disappearances can involve actions across national borders. In such cases, addressing the plight of affected children and their biological families—including establishing the children’s fate—requires international cooperation. To date, most efforts in this area have been led by victim-driven organizations. 

• The crucial role of DNA testing:  DNA testing remains an essential tool for determining the fate and whereabouts of children forcibly disappeared by State forces or born in captivity. Broad and accessible DNA programs are crucial in contexts where children have disappeared, as they can reunite families and provide critical answers to families seeking closure.

Recommendations for action

 • Establishing adequate legal frameworks: Governments should establish legal frameworks to ensure that children of the disappeared can assert their rights and have access to citizenship, property, social services and education. These frameworks should provide legal recognition and eliminate bureaucratic barriers. 

• Providing comprehensive and tailored support: Children of the disappeared should have access to targeted support programmes tailored to their specific situation. This includes with safe spaces to share their experiences is crucial. Governments and NGOs should offer specialized mental health care and peer support services, helping children cope with trauma. 

• Helping children know the truth: Broad DNA programs should be accessible to help children know the truth and reunite them with their families. 

• Strengthening international cooperation: International cooperation is essential to guarantee the rights of children affected by enforced disappearances. States, international organizations, and NGOs should collaborate to develop strategies for accountability and prevention