KAS
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KAS
KAS
KAS
KAS
KAS
KAS
KAS
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KAS
From 4 to 8 May 2026, the United Nations Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances (WGEID) held its 139th session in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. In this context, the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) organized and supported several exchange formats dedicated to enforced disappearances, access to justice and the strengthening of human rights protection mechanisms.
On 6 May 2026, KAS co-organized a high-level panel discussion in Abidjan entitled “Enforced Disappearances and Access to Justice: Practical Obstacles and Local Solutions”. The event brought together WGEID experts, representatives of public institutions and civil society actors to discuss persistent challenges related to enforced disappearances and possible responses at both the local and national levels.
Discussions focused in particular on the legal, institutional and practical obstacles faced in accessing truth, justice and reparations. Participants also highlighted initiatives led by Ivorian civil society actors, particularly in the areas of awareness-raising, advocacy and support for victims’ families. The panel’s interactive format enabled participants to exchange experiences and institutional perspectives on the social impact of enforced disappearances and the challenges involved as well as inclusive approaches in addressing this issue.
On May 8, 2026, the GTDFI, with support from KAS, organized a capacity-building workshop for civil society organizations and national human rights institutions. The workshop aimed to strengthen participants’ understanding of the mechanisms of UN Special Procedures, the WGEID mandate and African Union instruments and procedures relating to enforced disappearances.
Discussions also addressed recent developments with regards to enforced disappearances, challenges linked to the documentation and reporting of cases, and the exchange of best practices among actors engaged in the protection of human rights across the region.
Through these different formats, the activities organized in Abidjan contributed to strengthening dialogue among international, regional and national actors, while encouraging joint reflection on responses to the challenges posed by enforced disappearances. The cooperation with the WGEID reflects KAS’s strong regional network and its recognized experience in addressing sensitive human rights and rule-of-law issues.