04/09/2024
Keep alive the memories of the enforced disappeared - Let not happen again
They have a Right to know the truth
As the name suggests, ENFORCED DISAPPEARANCE is the act of making someone disappear against their will, often suddenly. It therefore refers to the arrest, detention or abduction of a person, followed by a refusal to acknowledge the fate of that person. Enforced disappearance is a serious violation of human rights. Systematically perpetrated against civilians, it is considered a crime against humanity.
Enforced disappearance is a violation not only of the rights of the direct victim, but also those of his or her families. That is why international law recognizes that, just like the disappeared persons, families are victims too. Sudden separation, a lack of news, uncertainty and fear of reprisal makes the mourning of a loss impossible and causes indelible suffering.
Commemorating the International day of the Victims of the Enforced Disappearances 2024, the families of the disappeared in Kandy along with the Human Rights Office organized a Human Rights market place on the 01st September 2024 at St. Anthony’s Church, Wattegama Sri Lanka.
The Human Rights market place comprised of fruits, vegetables, eatables and products of the families of the disappeared that attracted the people to the market place. The photos of the disappeared that were exhibited behind each stall explained the sad story of each disappeared person and the very purpose of the families of the disappeared to organize a market place. Further memories of the disappeared persons were recalled when they narrated the cruel disappearing incidents by the family members, while the business at the market place continued. “There is not a day that passed by without the memories haunting” the mothers lamented while tears flowed down their cheeks.
It was an opportunity for the families of the disappeared to speak about their loved ones who were made to disappear. Further they explained the reason for their campaign; they all wanted to know “THE TRUTH”. What really happened to them.
Soon after the Sunday service at Wattegama Church, people walked into the market as they were already prepared during the service. The disappearances day was explained at length during the introduction and the theme was connected to the day’s liturgy and the homilies given by the celebrant Fr. Nandana Manatunga.
Speaking to Media, Fr. Nandana said that “The commemoration is a sad reminder of the painfully long wait of families of forcibly disappeared for answers about their loved ones; they have been denied the truth about their whereabouts”. Further he said the Office of the Missing Persons is also gradually disappearing and the allocated funds by the previous budget as reparation were not received by the families and their future hopes are deemed. Some families in the north of the forcibly disappeared have been holding roadside vigils continuously for over 07 years search for justice and answers remains elusive.
It is only by keeping alive the memories of the disappeared and the event could prevent further repetition of events. The poster printed by the HRO was distributed widely, invited the citizens to commemorate the disappeared and prevent disappearances.
Speaking to the Media, the Legal interns of the Human Rights office who are directed by the Department of Law, University of Peradeniya said that several university students were made to disappear because they campaigned to bring about a change in the Socio- political system at that time. Further they highlighted the importance of commemorating the disappeared, so that it will not happen again.
