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Interdisciplinary Two-Day Conference on Enforced Disappearances

November 3 - November 4

3–4 November 2025, University of Cyprus

The research project DISACT, funded by the European Research Council (ERC, Grant Agreement No. 101086935) and based at the Department of Social and Political Sciences of the University of Cyprus, is organising an Interdisciplinary Conference on Enforced Disappearances, to be held on 3–4 November 2025.

The conference is an international, interdisciplinary, and cultural event dedicated to exploring the historical roots and the legal, political, and forensic dimensions of the issue of missing persons.

Enforced disappearances refer to the deliberate abduction of individuals by state or non-state armed actors during periods of political violence—such as authoritarian regimes, civil wars, or armed conflicts. This crime functions as an instrument of political control and intimidation, not only during the conflict itself but also through the silence that follows. Perpetrators often conceal traces and remains, leaving families in prolonged anguish and uncertainty.

This experience is deeply familiar to Cyprus, where the trauma of the missing remains etched in the collective memory. At the same time, the phenomenon continues to evolve globally, as authoritarian regimes cooperate and carry out disappearances even beyond their national borders.

The DISACT project investigates the historical origins and underlying logic of enforced disappearances: when and by whom the practice was “invented,” how it spread internationally, and why specific victims are targeted. It also examines how societies and victims transition from violence to justice and peace through comparative analyses (Cyprus – Latin America) and the use of modern forensic methods.

Thematic Sessions

The conference sessions will focus on:

  • The historical origins of the crime and the logic of victim targeting (3/11, 11:00–13:00)

  • Mechanisms of transitional justice and reparation (3/11, 14:30–16:30)

  • The role and limits of legal frameworks (4/11, 09:00–11:00)

  • Forensic identification of victims through comparative approaches in Northern Ireland and Cyprus (4/11, 11:30–13:30)

Public Debate

A public debate will take place as part of the conference on the theme:

“Legal Activism and Engagement with the Violent Past”,

with speakers Achilleas Demetriades and Professor Kieran McEvoy (Queen’s University Belfast),
moderated by Professor Natasa Mavronicola (University of Birmingham).

🕕 Monday, 3 November 2025 | 18:00–20:00
📍 Building “Anastasios G. Leventis”, Room B108

Documentary Screening and Art Installation

The programme will conclude with a screening of the internationally acclaimed documentary “Hold Still”, followed by a discussion with the filmmakers (4/11, 16:00–18:00), as well as an art installation dedicated to the missing persons.

Venue

The conference — except for the debate — will take place at the
Stelios Ioannou Learning Resource Centre – Library (LRC 014), University of Cyprus.

Participation

Participation is free of charge, but pre-registration is required via the online form:
🔗 https://forms.gle/3yQJ93yGc8Rn8Aux5

As places are limited, registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Remaining participants will be placed on a waiting list.

📧 vasileiou.elpida@ucy.ac.cy
🌐 disacterc.com

Details