Forced disappearances occur when individuals are secretly abducted or imprisoned by state authorities or organized groups, often without any acknowledgment of their fate or whereabouts. This practice is a violation of human rights and can instill fear within communities, as families are left without information about their loved ones. The reasons behind forced disappearances can vary, including political repression, targeting of activists, or efforts to suppress dissent. International organizations, such as the United Nations, work to raise awareness and advocate for the rights of victims and their families, urging governments to take responsibility and prevent such abuses.