Fact Check: The U.N. Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance Exists
What We Know
The claim that "The U.N. Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance exists" is accurate. The Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 18, 1992, through resolution 47/133. This declaration outlines the principles intended to prevent enforced disappearances, which are defined as acts where individuals are arrested, detained, or abducted against their will by state officials or others acting with state support, followed by a refusal to disclose their fate or whereabouts (OHCHR).
Furthermore, the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED) was adopted later, on December 20, 2006, and it builds upon the principles established in the earlier declaration (Wikipedia). As of August 2024, the convention has been signed by 98 states and ratified by 76, demonstrating a significant international commitment to addressing this issue (OHCHR).
Analysis
The existence of the U.N. Declaration is well-documented and supported by multiple credible sources. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) provides a comprehensive overview of the declaration, detailing its adoption and the principles it embodies (OHCHR). This source is reliable as it is an official U.N. body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights globally.
The declaration itself emphasizes the need for states to prevent enforced disappearances and holds them accountable for such actions. It is rooted in international human rights law, which adds to its credibility and importance. The declaration's principles are echoed in the later ICPPED, which further solidifies its relevance in contemporary human rights discussions (Wikipedia).
While some countries have expressed reservations about the convention, such as New Zealand and the United Kingdom, their concerns do not negate the existence of the declaration or the convention itself (Wikipedia). The U.S. also did not sign the convention, citing that it "did not meet our expectations," but this again does not affect the validity of the declaration (Wikipedia).
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The claim that "The U.N. Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance exists" is true. The declaration was formally adopted by the U.N. General Assembly in 1992 and is a foundational document in the fight against enforced disappearances, supported by subsequent international legal instruments.