On 23rd December 2010, four years after its adoption by the General Assembly of the United Nations, the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance eventually reached the 20th ratification which was necessary for its entry into force. Iraq became the 20th country that ratified this international treaty. In accordance with article 39, the Convention entered into force on the 23rd of December 2010 (30 days after the Notification of the 20th ratification).

We Remember foundation expresses its deep satisfaction with the fact that this important treaty, the adoption of which was waited for over 30 years by the relatives of the disappeared all over the world, has finally entered into vigor. We Remember foundation hopes that from now on the flow of involuntary disappearances will cease, that all the disappearances occured in the past will be investigated thoroughly and that millions of people all over the world will be finally relieved of the burden of uncertainty.

We Remember foundation calls all states that haven't yet signed and/or ratified the Convention to do so without delay. We remember also calls the states to recognize the competence of the new Committee on Enforced Disappearance to receive and consider individual complaints.

We Remember foundation deeply regrets that the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance has not yet been signed by Belarus. We Remember reminds that in contemporary Belarus at least four enforced disappearances took place.

In the years 1999-2000 four prominent persons in Belarus — ex-minister of Internal Affairs Yuri Zakharenko, Vice-Speaker of the Supreme Council Viktor Gonchar, businessman and  famous public figure Anatoly Krasovsky and journalist Dmitry Zavadsky — were subjected to involuntary disappearance. Their fate remains unknown. There are evidences, though, that high-ranked officials including the head of the state, are suspected to be involved in the abduction and possible murder of the four people. The authorities have been constantly declining numerous appeals of the family members of Yuri Zakharenko, Viktor Gonchar, Anatoly Krasovsky and Dmitry Zavadsky to openly investigate the cases of disappearances. We Remember foundation openly condemns the government of Belarus for disappearances of political opponents of the regime.

The International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance provides for the right not to be subjected to enforced disappearance as well as the right for the relatives of the disappeared persons to know the truth. The Convention contains several provisions concerning prevention, investigation and sanctioning of this crime. In accordance with article 26 of the Convention, a Committee on Enforced Disappearances shall be established to carry out the functions provided for under this Convention. The election shall be held no later than six months after the date of entry into force of this Convention.

Irina Krasovskaya

Svetlana Zavadskaya

Valeriya Krasovskaya