Speaking calendar/Day of the Disappeared
August 30th · Human Rights & Justice

Day of the Disappeared

A day to draw attention to the fate of individuals who have disappeared in circumstances of conflict or repression. Enforced disappearance is often used as a strategy to spread terror within a society. Today, we debate the importance of government accountability, the struggle of families searching for the truth, and how international law can protect those who are most vulnerable to state-sponsored injustice.

SPEAKING LESSONB1 / B2Discussion · Vocabulary · Activities
01 / LET’S TALK

Speaking Discussion

  1. Why is enforced disappearance considered one of the most cruel violations of human rights?
  2. In your opinion, should there be an expiration date on investigations into past political crimes, or should the search for truth continue forever?
  3. How does the lack of information (uncertainty) affect the families and the mental health of a community?
  4. What role does technology (e.g., DNA testing or digital archives) play in finding answers for families decades later?
  5. Do you think international organisations have enough power to hold governments accountable for their actions?
  6. How can a society truly heal and move forward when there are still missing pieces in its history?
02 / PUT IT INTO PRACTICE

Activity 1: The Human Rights Advocate

The Task: You are a Human Rights Lawyer. You are drafting a new law to ensure that every citizen has the right to the truth.

What are the three most important parts of this law?

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Sentences

Complete the sentence and justify it in 20 seconds.

  • "I think the right to information is essential because..."
  • "Justice is only possible when..."
  • "In my opinion, the best way to protect human rights is..."