ICRS: Sustained and collective efforts critical to address issue of missing persons

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Colombo recognized the thousands of individuals worldwide who are either missing or separated from their families due to various crises like armed conflict, violence, disasters, and migration. They expressed solidarity with families enduring the distress of not knowing their loved ones' fates.

In Sri Lanka, the ICRC highlighted that families of missing persons from all communities continue to await answers. These families bear the burden of not being able to grieve, find closure, or rebuild their lives due to the emotional, economic, legal, administrative, and social challenges caused by their loved ones' absence. The ICRC emphasized that addressing the needs of families of missing persons is a complex and multifaceted process, where families are key partners and rights-holders.

While national authorities bear the primary responsibility, local stakeholders can contribute to a broader, sustained response by creating a comprehensive framework of support for the diverse needs of families. Central to this effort is the search for missing persons, a crucial step towards clarifying their fate and whereabouts, which requires collaborative action from various stakeholders.

The ICRC currently operates the Missing Persons Project in Sri Lanka to foster a sustainable response. This project aims to support families, enhance national and local capacities, and enable coordinated state-led and community-based efforts to resolve the fates and locations of the missing. The ICRC stressed that addressing the issue of missing persons is vital for peace and reconciliation.

Unresolved cases can prolong trauma, exacerbate grievances, and impede community healing even after conflicts end. Sustained political commitment is essential for long-term resolution, potentially decades after an armed conflict concludes.