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Congressman Sherman Releases Reports on Enforced Disappearances in South Asia

July 25, 2018

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA), the Ranking Member of the Asia Pacific Subcommittee, released reports highlighting the problem of enforced disappearances in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

The reports confirm that enforced disappearances continue to be a significant issue in the region.

Since 2009, anywhere from 1,250 to more than 18,000 enforced disappearances have occurred in Pakistan according to the Geneva-based International Commission of Jurist (ICJ).

During a similar time frame, an estimated 430 individuals were forcibly disappeared in Bangladesh, and according to international organizations, human rights violations by government security forces have intensified.

In Sri Lanka, there are at least tens of thousands of outstanding cases of disappearances dating from the country's past internal conflict, and according to the international human rights community, there has been insufficient progress on addressing these past abuses and accounting for the victims.

"The international community must do more to put a stop to these crimes, demand justice, and provide closure to the countless families who still cannot account for their loved ones," said Sherman.

Sherman has strongly advocated for a stronger response to human rights abuses in the region, and he has raised the issue with the State Department, speaking out on the House Floor, and through hearings of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

To view the full report on enforced disappearances in Pakistan click here.

To view the full report on enforced disappearances in Bangladesh click here.

To view the full report on enforced disappearances in Sri Lanka click here.