desaparecidos

Desaparecidos, literally “the disappeared” in Spanish, refers to individuals who have been forcibly disappeared, typically by state agents or groups acting with state approval, with their fate and whereabouts unknown. The term is used especially in Spanish-speaking countries to describe victims of enforced disappearance, a practice deemed a serious violation of human rights under international law.

The phenomenon gained prominence in Latin America during the mid-20th century, notably under military dictatorships in Argentina (1976–1983), Chile (1973–1990), and in various conflicts in Guatemala, Peru, and Colombia. In these cases, people were abducted, detained in secret locations, or held incommunicado, with authorities denying any knowledge of their fate. Families often endured prolonged, painful searches for information about their loved ones. Enforced disappearance is considered a crime under international law and a grave breach of human rights.

Responses to disappearances have included national truth commissions, legal prosecutions, and international advocacy. Argentina’s Nunca Más report and Chile’s Rettig and Valech Commissions documented abuses and helped establish accountability mechanisms. International bodies, including the United Nations, promote protections against disappearances, investigations, and support for victims and families. Civil society groups such as the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo and Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo have played key roles in seeking truth, justice, and the return of missing relatives.

Today, many cases remain unresolved or unaddressed, and the term desaperecidos is also used to describe ongoing missing-person cases in various contexts. August 30 is observed internationally as the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances.