Recently positive advancements have taken place in the status of ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of all Persons Against Enforced Disappearances. Namely, Colombia and the Netherlands have approved the ratification of the UN International Convention for the Protection of all Persons Against Enforced Disappearances.

In Colombia the Congress has passed the ratification. It is only to be signed by the president and deposited to the General Secretary of the United Nations. These steps could still take a few weeks to be completed.

In the case of the Netherlands, on the 3rd of November the First Chamber (Senate) approved the ratification of this treaty. This step followed the decision (without a vote) taken by the Second Chamber (Parliament) on 7th of October.

Two formalities remain for the Dutch ratification to be completed: the publication of the law in the official State Journal and the presentation of the ratification instruments to the Secretary General of the United Nations

The Netherlands anticipated on the implementation of certain obligations. The Netherlands did not introduce changes in the penal code, but amended the law on international crimes (the law implementing the Rome Statute), therewith offering an interesting model for other States that are parties to the Rome Statute and will ratify the convention against enforced disappearances.

Yes to the convention! No to the enforced disappearances!

CIWR.ORG