By ibrahima yakubu
As the world observes the United Nations International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, Rigar Yanci International has called for greater awareness and collective action to address the plight of victims.
In a statement issued in Kaduna, the National President of the organization, Comrade Khalifah Haruna Mustapha, stressed the importance of sensitizing the public about enforced disappearances, which remain a pressing human rights concern.
He urged Civil Society Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations, youth groups, traditional leaders, and faith-based organizations to work together in enlightening communities and supporting families of victims.
Comrade Mustapha cited the unresolved case of Kaduna activist Comrade Abubakar Didiyata, who has been missing for six years, as a reminder of many others across the world whose disappearances remain unaccounted for.
“Too many families are left in pain, without answers or justice. We must raise our voices and push for stronger protections against enforced disappearances,” he said.
He further recalled that on December 21, 2010, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 65/209, which led to the declaration of August 30 as the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances.
The resolution highlighted the rise in cases of arbitrary detention, abductions, and harassment of witnesses and relatives of missing persons, and welcomed the adoption of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.
Signed:
Comrade Khalifah Haruna Mustapha
National President
Rigar Yanci International
Kaduna, Nigeria
