Family networks and associations such as the Madres de Plaza de Mayo bring families together that share the common tragedy of a missing loved one. These associations play an important role on several levels, by providing mutual psychological and socioeconomic support and by emphasizing the role of families as activists, not just victims. They raise public awareness of the issue and how it affects families as well as exerting pressure on policy makers. A network of family associations from around the world was instrumental, along with the ICRC, in the creation of the newly adopted International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.