Living with the Shadows of the Past: The Impact of Disappearance on Wives of the Missing in Lebanon

This report examines the impact on women of enforced disappearances committed during Lebanon’s civil war, focusing in particular on the effects on wives of the missing or disappeared—and their children. The research is based on interviews conducted by ICTJ with 23 wives of missing or disappeared persons of varying backgrounds. The women described the continuing legal, social, financial, and psychological hardship they face, because the state has provided inadequate redress to family members as direct victims. Drawing on comparative global experiences, it makes recommendations for how enforced disappearance should be addressed by Lebanese policy makers and civil society.

Christalla Yakinthou
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This report examines the impact on women of enforced disappearances committed during Lebanon’s civil war, focusing in particular on the effects on wives of the missing or disappeared—and their children. The research is based on interviews conducted by ICTJ with 23 wives of missing or disappeared persons of varying backgrounds. The women described the continuing legal, social, financial, and psychological hardship they face, because the state has provided inadequate redress to family members as direct victims. Drawing on comparative global experiences, it makes recommendations for how enforced disappearance should be addressed by Lebanese policy makers and civil society.