Enforced disappearance has often been used as a method to terrorize members of society. This practice has long been put in place to generate a sense of insecurity to the friends and family of those who disappeared. The fear caused by this heinous act affects not only those close to the individual, but their communities as a whole.

Enforced disappearance has quickly become a global issue and has been seen as a method of terror all over the world. It was once used mainly in dictatorship and governmental conflicts, but can nowadays be seen in internal conflicts. It is of extreme importance that attention is paid to people who are in vulnerable positions. Children and people with disabilities are especially susceptible to this kind of terror.

In Kosovo alone, over 6000 people have been reported as missing since 1999. These missing persons have been subject to enforced disappearance often due to political conflict. The UN Mission based in Kosovo decided to provide assistance to families of missing persons by setting up a resource centre. The establishment of this resource centre has inspired other nations to put effort towards recognizing and assisting victims of enforced disappearances.

In 2010, the United Nations General Assembly shared its major concern about the rise in involuntary disappearances in multiple parts of the world. The significant increase in the number of arrests, detentions and abductions inspired the UN to declare August 30th as International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances. This was done in the hopes to spread awareness and put an end to terror of this nature.