UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances to review Samoa, Iraq, Malawi and Ecuador

GENEVA - The UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances (CED) will hold its 30th session from 9 to 19 March 2026

The session will open with a public meeting, including a tribute to victims of enforced disappearance. It will feature the Paiva daughters’ testimony about their family’s real‑life struggle during Brazil’s 1964–1985 military dictatorship, a history that inspired the 2025 Oscar‑winning film “I’m Still Here” about the search for their disappeared father, Mr Rubens Paiva, former Brazilian congressman.

During the session, the Committee will review Samoa, Iraq, Malawi, and Ecuador. These countries are among the 78 States Parties to the International Convention for the Protection of all Persons from Enforced Disappearance. They are required to undergo periodic reviews of their reports by the Committee of 10 independent international experts on how they are implementing the Convention.

The Committee, which has received respective country reports and other submissions from non-governmental organisations, will discuss a range of issues with the four State delegations through public dialogues on the following dates at Geneva time:

Samoa
9 March 15:00 – 18:00
10 March 10:00 – 13:00

Iraq*
11 March 10:00 – 13:00

Malawi
11 March 15:00 – 18:00
12 March 10:00 – 13:00

Ecuador*
12 March 15:00 – 18:00
13 March 15:00 – 18:00

The above country review dialogues will be held in the First Floor Conference Room, Palais Wilson, Geneva. All public meetings are open to accredited press and livecast on UN Web TV.

In addition to country reviews, the Committee will adopt its periodic report on urgent actions, which highlights the trends observed in cases of enforced disappearance addressed over the reporting period. The Committee will also continue its discussions on its forthcoming General Comment, which aims to provide guidance on interpreting the Convention regarding women, girls and enforced disappearances.

2026 marks the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention. The Committee will commemorate CED20 throughout the year, partnering with States, victims, civil society, and national human rights institutions to raise awareness, share concrete actions, and strengthen protection against enforced disappearances. More details are available on CED20 webpage.

All information about the session, including reports submitted by the States and the full schedule of meetings, is available on the session page.

*Report on additional information