India's Stand at the UN on Enforced Disappearances

On 20th October 2026, speaking at the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly, India emphasized strengthening accountability, transparency, and international cooperation to prevent enforced disappearances.

Ministry of External Affairs Deputy Secretary Barkha Tamrakar presented India's stance during discussions related to the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances.
Enforced Disappearance: Occurs when a person is arrested or detained by state officials (or with their support), followed by a refusal to acknowledge the deprivation of liberty or disclosure of their whereabouts.
India highlighted that Article 21 of its Constitution protects the right to life and personal liberty, and courts can act on Habeas Corpus petitions.
The National and State Human Rights Commissions, the Right to Information (RTI), an independent media, and civil society also play key roles in resolving human rights complaints and ensuring accountability.
UN Third Committee: The committee dealing with social, humanitarian, and cultural affairs, including human rights issues.
International Treaty: The UN General Assembly adopted the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance on 20 December 2006.