Important Facts of the News
- More than 900 participants from over 50 countries are joining the conference.
- The event is a global forum for families of missing persons affected by conflict, migration and violence.
- By the end of 2024, over 284,000 people were listed as missing with the Family Links Network.
- The conference was first launched in Sarajevo in 2019 and is held every two years.
- A joint public statement from families will be read during the Closing Ceremony.
- Opening Ceremony: 11 November, 14:00-16:00 CET.
- Closing Ceremony: 13 November, 16:00-18:00 CET.
- States and conflict parties are responsible under international law for preventing disappearances and supporting families.
- The conference features multilingual interpretation and cross-regional peer discussions.
- Resolving missing persons cases is key to peace, reconciliation and community recovery.
Families Seek Global Solidarity and Support
Families of missing persons from various regions are gathering with humanitarian groups and experts in a unique international conference dedicated to addressing the emotional, legal and social challenges linked to disappearances caused by conflict, migration and violence. More than 900 participants from over 50 countries are taking part, both in person and online, to share experiences and strengthen efforts for long-term solutions.
The Human Cost Behind Every Disappearance
According to Cristian Rivier, who leads the Central Tracing Agency, the absence of a loved one leaves families in a state of prolonged uncertainty. Many face emotional distress, financial instability and administrative challenges. He emphasised that addressing these needs is essential not only for humanitarian reasons but also for long-term community healing.
Scale of the Issue
By late 2024, more than 284,000 individuals were recorded as missing within the Family Links Network. However, the actual global figure is believed to be far higher, as many cases remain unreported. These figures represent people registered as missing until their case is resolved or until their family confirms new information.
Public Statements From Families
During the Closing Ceremony, a joint message from families will be shared, calling for greater visibility and concrete action. Their collective statement highlights the deep impact of disappearances on family and community life and urges worldwide recognition and support.
Conference Format and Discussions
While most sessions are held privately to ensure families feel safe to speak freely, the Opening and Closing Ceremonies are being livestreamed for public viewing. The conference includes discussions on coping mechanisms, advocacy, rights-based support and the role of families in shaping policies. It is hosted from Geneva with multilingual interpretation to enable broad participation.
Accountability and Prevention
The International Committee of the Red Cross highlights that preventing disappearances is possible when responsible authorities act under international humanitarian law. Past experiences from the Balkans, Colombia and other regions demonstrate that actively resolving missing persons cases contributes to peacebuilding and social reconstruction.
A Network for Connection
The Family Links Network, which includes the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies, works globally to reconnect families and clarify the fate of missing persons. It is guided by the belief that every family has the right to know what happened to their loved ones.