Enforced disappearances and other forms of disappearance in Latin America have been a widespread practice, driven by both political and criminal objectives, in contexts such as past dictatorships in Argentina or Chile, armed conflicts like those in Peru or Guatemala, and systematic violence as seen in Mexico. These disappearances involve deprivation of liberty, followed by a refusal to disclose the fate or whereabouts of the individual, thus placing them outside the protection of the law.

Even today, people continue to disappear every year in countries like Mexico or El Salvador, and the vast majority of these cases are not properly investigated. Women are particularly affected by this crime and are rarely found alive or deceased. Chronic impunity fuels the recurrence of these disappearances.

At DPLF, we contribute to the dissemination and application of international law and jurisprudence on disappearances, as well as the development of standards on the matter. This effort is materialized through research, advocacy, and technical assistance to state institutions responsible for the search for disappeared persons, such as the National Commission for the Search of Disappeared Persons in the context of the armed conflict in El Salvador (CONABÚSQUEDA). We also facilitate the exchange of experiences and lessons learned with similar institutions in Mexico, Colombia, and Peru.

Additionally, we collaborate with human rights organizations working on the issue of disappearances, and with family organizations in the region, to foster the exchange of experiences, strengthen their advocacy capacities, and enhance their ability to work in coalitions or networks.