GENEVA (14 May 2021) – The UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances will hold its 124rd session from 17 to 21 May 2021 to examine more than 320 cases from 25 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. The Working Group will also discuss internal matters and future activities, including its upcoming country visit to Cyprus, and other envisaged visits for 2021 and 2022. Issues such as disappearances perpetrated by non-state actors as well as enforced disappearances occurring in the context of transnational operations will also be discussed during the session. The Working Group will release a statement at the conclusion of the session. The decisions made by the Working Group during the 124rd session will be reflected in its next post-sessional report. The sessions of the Working Group are held in private. ENDS