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Poland: Families of the missing are not alone

4th International Conference for Families of Missing Persons - Poland

In November, a 4th International Conference for Families of Missing Persons, organised by the ICRC and National Societies, took place all over the world. In Poland, the ICRC and PRC organised a conference in Gdansk, where one of 32 hubs joined in discussions on the missing, and joined families together, giving them a feeling of unity and support. Families of missing Ukrainian PoWs were also present.

The International Conference for Families of Missing Persons is a unique global forum that brings together families whose loved ones went missing due to conflict, migration, or other situations of violence. Organised by the ICRC’s Central Tracing Agency in collaboration with Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies, it is the only event of its kind. The conference provides a safe space for families to connect, share experiences, and find strength and inspiration in each other’s stories – fostering solidarity and a sense of belonging to a global community.

Cases of missing persons are among the most devastating and long-lasting consequences of armed conflicts and other forms of violence, disasters, or migration. Behind every missing person is a family living in suffering and uncertainty, struggling with the pain of not knowing what happened to their loved one.

Katarzyna Kubicius Head of Information and Tracing Service, PRC

What families of the missing share, apart from grief and aguish, is the hope that their loved ones will return, or that they will find out their fate.

4th International Conference for Families of Missing Persons - Poland
ICRC
ICRC

We have no right to give up. Many times, I had situations when I could assume that my brother was dead. I saw the bodies of soldiers on social media, someone looked similar, it was like a bad dream. Therefore, we must not lose hope. It’s hard for us, but what if they’re there? It is for them that we cannot give up.

Nadiya sister of a missing Ukrainian soldier

As Yevheniia Protasova, PRC’s psychologist, that works with the families of the missing underlined, it is very important for them to feel that they are not alone, and to receive support. Furthermore, finding out the fate of their missing family members is crucial. “That is why psychological help is important – and every person looking for a missing family member will receive it," added Protasova.

At the end of the conference, families of the missing issued a statement, calling on the world to find a solution, where thousands of men, women and children disappear daily. You can read the full statement here.