UN to look at over 530 enforced disappearances

A group of United Nations experts will next week examine more than 530 cases of enforced disappearances from 36 countries, the world body said in a statement on Friday.

The group - composed of five independent human rights experts - will meet relatives of people who have disappeared, state authorities, civil society representatives and other stake-holders to exchange information on individual cases and on this persistent scourge, the statement said.

During their five-day meeting that kicks off here on Monday, the experts will focus on several topics including an upcoming report on standards and public policies on the effective investigation of enforced disappearances, as well as the issue of disappearances committed by non-state actors.

The experts will also look at planned visits for the rest of the year and for 2020.

Allegations of obstruction concerning implementation of the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance declaration will also be discussed, according to the statement.