Desaparecidos

Definition

Desaparecidos refers to individuals who were forcibly disappeared during political repression, particularly in Latin America during the 20th century, often by state authorities or military regimes. This term is deeply connected to the historical role of the military in Latin American politics, highlighting the violent tactics used to suppress dissent and the ongoing struggles for justice and accountability faced by victims' families.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The term 'desaparecidos' became widely recognized during the military dictatorships in Argentina and other Latin American countries from the 1960s to the 1980s.
2. Estimates suggest that thousands of people were forcibly disappeared across Latin America, with Argentina reporting around 30,000 cases during its Dirty War.
3. The families of the desaparecidos have formed organizations, like the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo, advocating for truth and justice regarding their loved ones' fates.
4. The phenomenon of enforced disappearances is not limited to historical contexts; it continues to be a pressing issue in some countries today, reflecting ongoing challenges in human rights enforcement.
5. Legal frameworks and international conventions have emerged over time to address forced disappearances, yet many perpetrators remain unpunished due to systemic impunity.

Review Questions

• How did the actions of the military contribute to the phenomenon of desaparecidos in Latin America?
  • The military's actions during times of political unrest were crucial in creating the phenomenon of desaparecidos. Military regimes often viewed dissent as a threat to national security and employed violent tactics such as abduction and enforced disappearance to silence opposition. This repression not only instilled fear but also dismantled social movements, leading to thousands going missing as a result of state-sponsored terror.
• In what ways have families of desaparecidos fought for justice and recognition of human rights violations?
  • Families of desaparecidos have played a significant role in demanding justice through organized activism and advocacy. Groups like the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo emerged to raise awareness about their loved ones' disappearances, demanding government accountability and transparency. Their persistence has not only brought attention to human rights abuses but has also led to some legal actions and reforms aimed at addressing past injustices.
• Evaluate the impact of international human rights laws on addressing the issue of desapariciones in Latin America.
  • International human rights laws have had a profound impact on addressing desapariciones by providing a framework for accountability and justice. Instruments like the Inter-American Convention on Forced Disappearance have enabled victims’ families to seek redress at both national and international levels. Despite these advancements, challenges remain due to systemic impunity within affected states, highlighting a complex struggle between achieving justice for victims and confronting entrenched political interests.

Related terms

Dirty War: A period of state terrorism in Argentina from the late 1970s to early 1980s where the military dictatorship targeted suspected dissidents, leading to widespread disappearances.

Human Rights Violations: Abuses committed against individuals' basic rights and freedoms, often including torture, extrajudicial killings, and enforced disappearances by state actors.

Truth Commission: An official body established to investigate and report on human rights violations that occurred during a specific period, often focusing on cases of disappearances.