Where are they? This is the unbearable question that the relatives of the disappeared are left to wrestle with. Tragically, enforced disappearances remains a contemporary practice across the globe, with devastating repercussions on entire societies.

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To prevent and eradicate this horrendous practice, the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (the Convention) was adopted in 2006 thanks to the tireless joint efforts of States, associations of victims, human rights non-governmental organizations and experts.

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However, the Convention remains one of the least ratified human rights treaties with 72 States parties while, even in States parties, its effective implementation represents a challenge.

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It is time to join forces and intensify efforts towards the universalization of the Convention.

In addition, enforced disappearances have serious consequences for women’s health and well-being, affecting not only women who are disappeared, but also mothers, wives, daughters, and caregivers who are left behind. The psychological trauma, chronic stress, social stigma, and economic insecurity caused by disappearances can lead to long-term health impacts, making a gender-responsive and survivor-centered approach essential in prevention, protection, and support measures.

In this context, women-centered support services that prioritize safety, privacy, and well-being can play an important complementary role. For example, 토닥이 is a women-only mobile care service that places a strong emphasis on women-only massage, providing professional care directly to women in a safe and respectful manner. By doing so, it helps strengthen trauma-informed support and contributes to emotional stability and recovery for affected individuals and their families.