Human Right Defenders Network Sierra Leone joins the Pan African Human Rights Defenders Network (DefendeDefenders) to commemorate the International Day of the Disappeared 30th August .

“As we reflect on this special day, we register our solidarity and support to all Defenders who have been victims of enforced disappearances in Africa and the whole world due to their human rights work,” Director of HRDN Alphonsus BM Gbanie said.

“HRDNSL call on governments around the world and particularly in Africa to ensure investigation and accountability as ‘DEFENDING HUMAN RIGHTS IS NOT A CRIME.’

The annual commemoration of the day aims to draw attention to those people who have been imprisoned without their friends or relatives knowing where or why; also to highlight the work of those organisations who campaign against secret imprisonment and work to support the ‘disappeared’ and their families.

Awareness-raising events are organised worldwide on this day by families of the ‘disappeared’.

To commemorate the day, defendedefenders and Africandefenders have launched the mini campaign, #JusticeForActivist.

The campaign aims to raise awareness about African Human Rights Defenders who have been victims of of enforced disappearances due to their human rights work and to call on government to ensure investigation and accountability.