Let's intensify efforts to stop abduction, killing of suspects

The moment is predictable and familiar. Uniformed or plain clothed men confront you. Carrying weapons but no identification or arrest warrant, you will be forcibly dragged towards their car and unknown destination. This is usually the first instance in an enforced disappearance. Today marks the Day for the Protection of All Persons against Enforced Disappearances. Globally, governments and citizens are looking at ways to eliminate these incidents in future.

There were at least 43,250 unresolved cases across 88 countries in 2014. The forceful abduction and murder of persons has been classified as a human rights violation and an international crime since 2006. A UN convention was introduced to stop states and people from abduction, detention, torture and murder and hiding the bodies of victims. Kenya has signed the treaty but is yet ratify this international convention.