India's Stand at the UN on Enforced Disappearances

• 21 Oct 2026

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.