The International Convention for the Protection of all Persons from Enforced Disappearances, adopted by consensus and unanimous support, is highly important for the fight against this practice and for the protection of the victims and their families. This new Convention is a vital device in fighting against impunity of perpetrators of forced disappearances. This Convention also puts in place a system of national and international mechanisms that will enable the Member States to effectively combat the practice of enforced disappearances. In addition, FIDH is pleased to note that certain countries, in particular France and Argentina, played an important role throughout the negotiations, as well as the contribution of NGOs and in particular that of the families of disappeared individuals.
The Human Rights Council has also adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, with a vote of 30 to 2 (Russia and Canada). This Declaration establishes determinative principles for the the dignity and the well-being of indigenous people.