Ascent of the missing persons families of the disappeared for justice. Through the narratives of the family members, this study will present their transition from being victims to human rights advocates and defenders with the help of the findings of Kieffer and Hutchison & Lord in their empowerment studies.

Abstract

Ever since enforced disappearance was first recognized as a human right problem in the 1970s, it has been increasingly known outside the region of Latin America. It is used as a political tool to silence individuals considered as enemies of the state. Despite the recognition of this crime both internationally and domestically, it is continuously being employed today. Aside from the victims of enforced disappearance themselves, their family members can also be considered as victims since they are the ones left severely affected by the crime. This study tackles the empowerment process of the family members in relation to their membership to Desaparecidos – Families of the Disappeared for Justice. Through the narratives of the family members, this study will present their transition from being victims to human rights advocates and defenders with the help of the findings of Kieffer and Hutchison & Lord in their empowerment studies.