The president of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), Alexis Deswaef, has urged Guinean authorities to shed light on cases of forced disappearances in the country. Speaking at a press conference at the Maison de la presse, Deswaef expressed concern over the lack of information on investigations into these cases. He emphasized that disappearances are a major problem and totally unacceptable, and that authorities cannot remain silent in the face of such incidents.
Deswaef revealed that the issue of disappearances was raised during his meeting with the Attorney General. He asked if independent, impartial, and in-depth investigations were being conducted, linking them to mass graves. However, the Attorney General cited the secrecy of investigations, which Deswaef argued was not sufficient reason to withhold information from the public. Deswaef stressed that the public has a right to know the truth and that those responsible for disappearances should be held accountable.
The FIDH president pointed out that the lack of response on these cases not only affects the families of the disappeared but also the entire civil society and human rights defenders. The silence of the authorities can be perceived as a threat to those who continue to advocate for human rights, making it difficult for them to carry out their legitimate activities. Deswaef emphasized that this situation is inacceptable and that the Guinean authorities must take action.
According to Deswaef, forced disappearances have a profound impact on human rights defenders, who may fear consequences for their engagement. The FIDH is concerned that the absence of accountability and transparency in these cases may embolden perpetrators and undermine the rule of law. Deswaef called on the Guinean authorities to take concrete steps to address these concerns and ensure that those responsible for disappearances are brought to justice.
The FIDH has been actively engaged with Guinean authorities on this issue, with Deswaef meeting with the Attorney General to discuss the cases of forced disappearances. The organization is pushing for independent and impartial investigations into these incidents, and for those responsible to be held accountable. Deswaef stressed that the FIDH will continue to monitor the situation and advocate for human rights in Guinea.
The issue of forced disappearances in Guinea has sparked concerns among human rights organizations and civil society groups. The FIDH is not the only organization to have raised concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in these cases. Other groups have also called for investigations into forced disappearances and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
The Guinean authorities have yet to respond to the FIDH's calls for action, but Deswaef remains hopeful that they will take concrete steps to address the issue. He emphasized that the FIDH will continue to work with Guinean authorities and civil society groups to promote human rights and accountability in the country.
Key points
- The FIDH has urged Guinean authorities to investigate forced disappearances and hold those responsible accountable.
- The lack of transparency and accountability in these cases affects not only the families of the disappeared but also the entire civil society and human rights defenders.
- The FIDH will continue to monitor the situation and advocate for human rights in Guinea.
