Zelensky signs decree to protect rights of missing persons

"The document aims to ensure the protection of the rights and interests of persons gone missing under special circumstances, victims of enforced disappearances and members of their families, as well as to increase the efficiency of the search for them," the statement said.

Pursuant to decree No. 495/2020, the Cabinet of Ministers, with the involvement of members of the public, human rights defenders and members of the families of soldiers who have died or gone missing, should draw up and approve a comprehensive plan to protect the rights and interests of persons gone missing under special circumstances, victims of enforced disappearances and their families.

Among other things, the plan should ensure the effective operation of the Commission on Persons Gone Missing under Special Circumstances and the functioning of a single register of such persons.

In addition, the government should ensure the holding every year of events in connection with the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, which is marked on August 30. In particular, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine should make sure foreign diplomatic missions organize events in connection with the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances.

According to the document, regional state administrations and Kyiv City State Administration, in cooperation with local government agencies, should develop measures to protect the rights and interests of persons gone missing under special circumstances, victims of enforced disappearances and members of their families.

The decree comes into force from the date of its publication.

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