The Search for the Forcibly Disappeared: a Key Contribution to Peacebuilding

This multi-actor, action-oriented peace panel aims to explore the link between the search for the forcibly disappeared and peacebuilding.

Relatives searching for their disappeared close ones have pushed for legislative changes, the establishment of processes for truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-repetition and memorialisation. As such, the discussion will highlight their role as peacebuilders.

The panel will address Syria – where enforced disappearance was a widespread method of repression under the Assad regime – as a topical and relevant example to explore how the search for the disappeared and accountability efforts should be taken into account and contribute to any transitional justice process.

Panelists will include two relatives of forcibly disappeared persons in Syria to share their testimony of seeking truth and justice, a Representative of the Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic (IIMP) to present this new mechanism, and a law professor and UN expert to analyse how these efforts contribute to building peaceful societies.

Each panelist, from their own perspective, will share lessons learned and contribute concrete recommendations for action. By building on the momentum of the World Congress on Enforced Disappearances that took place for the first time in Geneva in January 2025, this event reflects Geneva Peace Week’s commitment to fostering bridges between initiatives that advance peace, justice, and human rights.