On the 30th of August, the world will observe the International Day of the Disappeared which was officially declared by the United Nations in 2010.

The Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD) sees it fit to commemorate this historical day by launching a book entitled, “Beyond Tears and Borders” that will comprehensively present the phenomenon of enforced disappearances in selected Asian countries where AFAD has member organizations.

The book launch is part of our on-going campaign against enforced disappearance which resonates our call – to “Bring All Desaparecidos Home!” It will highlight our solidarity campaign for Mr. Sombath Somphone, a prominent Lao human rights defender and Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Somphone who was taken away from a police post in the city of Vientiane on 15 December, 2012 and was never seen again.

We underscore the fact that the unabated commission of enforced disappearance in many parts of Asia continues to violate not only the basic rights of the victims but also of their families and next of kin. It is therefore imperative for the Philippines and other Asian countries to accede to the Convention in order to have an effective protection mechanism against enforced disappearances and to combat impunity. It is our civic duty as well as our moral obligation to make enforced disappearance finally disappears.

“Beyond Tears and Borders”

Book Launch

August 28, 2013, from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon

at the CHR Multi-Purpose Hall.

For your confirmation or inquiries, please contact us at telephone number 490.7862 or at mobile number 0915.4689306 or email us at afad@surfshop.net.ph.

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