Historical Disappearances and International Cases

In Ireland, the practice of abducting, murdering and secretly burying individuals did not begin during the Troubles. Throughout the Independence Conflict period, which included both the War of Independence (1919–1921), and the Irish Civil War (1922–1923), the abduction, murder and disappearance of individuals was a common occurrence carried out by paramilitaries and State forces alike. Only recently, however, have the disappearances that took place during this period of history garnered greater prominence in academic study and historical accounts. The disappearances of the Independence Conflict period, and the outcomes for the families and communities involved, is relevant to the study of the disappearances that took place during the Troubles for a number of reasons, not least of these is the direct impact the practice had on the families of those who were left behind. This chapter explores historic disappearances and their relevance from the Troubles, whilst also exploring the international context of disappearances more generally.