Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs Barkha Tamrakar has reaffirmed that Article 21, habeas corpus, the NHRC and State Human Rights Commissions, independent media and civil society provide safeguards, transparency and avenues for redressal against enforced disappearances.

Delivering India’s statement at the United Nations General Assembly Third Committee on the Agenda Item ‘Working Group on Enforced Disappearances’, the Secretary called for engagement based on dialogue, cooperation, non-selectivity and transparency. Noting that India has signed the Convention on Enforced Disappearances, she stressed that law enforcement is bound by law. The Secretary further underlined that enforced disappearances are grave human-rights violations and urged prevention, accountability and protection of civil society.