Women suffering the disappearance of a near relative have a deep need, and above all the right, to know what has become of their loved one. They should be assisted in the search for their missing relatives. This can mean supporting them when they go through the legal and administrative procedures related to the disappearance, as well as helping them to obtain information and receive assistance from authorities or associations. Support is particularly needed in the most difficult moments, for example, when ante mortem data is collected, when they receive the confirmation of the death of a loved one and during the identification of mortal remains.

The ICRC provides long term support to families of the missing throughout the long and arduous search process for example in the Balkan region and in the Northern Caucasus.