“And if I find him, what then?”: The role of women searchers in the fight for truth, justice, and memory

Abstract

As widely recognized, enforced disappearance constitutes a complex and continuous violation of human rights under international law. It may also be classified as a crime against humanity when it forms part of a systematic or widespread practice, in accordance with international standards. Due to its profound impact, international jurisprudence has recognized not only the disappeared person as a victim, but also their relatives. In this context, particular attention must be given to the women who, in the face of state inaction, have devoted their lives to the search for their missing loved ones, an endeavor that has affected them in numerous and significant ways. For this reason, it is essential to incorporate a gender perspective when analyzing these violations and their impacts, not only at the moment of disappearance, but also in relation to the life projects of the victims’ families, in which it is often women who lead and sustain the search processes.
This article aims to review the international standards on enforced disappearance and then focus on the specific situation of women, highlighting the role of women searchers and the progress made in this area at the international level. Through the analysis of specific cases, the text seeks to make visible the contributions of women in the search for the disappeared, as well as the urgent need for public policies that acknowledge their struggle and respond to their particular circumstances.