GENEVA (12 February 2021) – The UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances will hold its 123rd session from 15 to 19 February 2021 to examine more than 600 cases from 36 countries. The five independent experts will convene remotely, and meet with relatives of forcibly disappeared persons, state authorities, civil society representatives and other stakeholders to exchange information on individual cases and on the persistent practice of enforced disappearances. The experts will also examine allegations received regarding obstacles encountered in the implementation of the Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, such as regressive legislation and practices, or systemic failures in addressing cases of enforced disappearance. Issues such as disappearances perpetrated by non-state actors, as well as enforced disappearances occurring in the context of transnational transfers, will also be discussed. The Working Group will also discuss internal matters and future activities, including country visits planned for 2021 and 2022. It will release a statement at the conclusion of the session and decisions made will be reflected in the Working Group’s next post-sessional report. The Working Group sessions are held in private. ENDS