The National Commission on the Disappeared (CONADEP – Argentina)

Formed after democracy was restored in Argentina in 1983, the National commission on the Disappeared was chartered to investigate the fates of the thousands who disappeared during the junta rule. The commission was to receive depositions and evidence concerning these events, and pass the information to the courts, in those cases where crimes had been committed. The commission’s report would not extend, however, to determine responsibility, only to deliver an unbiased chronicle of the events.

In order to guarantee objectivity, the National executive resolved that the commission be comprised of individuals who enjoyed national & international prestige, chosen for their consistent stance in defence of human rights. They would represent different walks of life and political affiliations or ideologies.