People are gathering at the Canadian Museum of Human Rights tonight to remember people from other countries who have suffered for their beliefs. 

A group of Winnipeg locals are hosting the seventh annual Night of the Disappeared at the forks. The event’s goal is to highlight ethnic groups being persecuted for their religious beliefs. Many of those featured in the event are Christians. 

The event is to “remember the disappeared, murdered, and suffering,” Levy Abad, Coordinator of The Night for the Disappeared says. 

The Night for the Disappeared started in 2013 to share the struggles that people across the world are facing. People in countries such as the Philippines and Ethiopia are being persecuted daily for their faith. Abad says that the differences in faith are what is causing a lot of the persecution. 

“We need to be watchful,” says Abad about recognizing the suffering fellow Christians are experiencing in their home countries. 

The evening will feature a panel discussion, speeches from torture survivors. Music plays a large role in the event with dancers and performances from different cultures.  

Speakers from Albania, Syria, Colombia, and other countries are sharing their experiences on a discussion panel at the beginning of the evening. 

Abad says he expects one hundred people to show up for the event due to the smaller space at the CMHR. 

“Last year we had about 170 people but this year we are expecting less,” says Abad. 

Abad draws his inspiration for this event from the story of Jonas Burgos, a man who disappeared and was murdered in the Philippines for his beliefs. Abad is from the Philippines himself and has been an advocate for being aware of what people from other countries are experiencing.  

“The struggle continues. We must stay strong,” says Abad.