Jakarta – A coalition of NGOs has demanded the government ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.

"We hope the ratification will be made this year," said Mugiyanto from the Families of Missing Persons Association (IKOHI) on Wednesday.

Based on the National Action Plan on Human Rights (RANHAM) 2011-2014, the government plans to ratify it in 2013. The coalition, however, says the ratification should be made this year. By 2013, the government and the lawmakers will be using their time and energy for the 2014 general elections.

So far 20 states have ratified the convention, while Indonesia is among 88 states that have signed the convention in a show of support.

Yati Andriani of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) said that ratifying the convention would signal recognition by the state to families of victims. (drs)