World remembers those "Disappeared" in conflicts

(Vatican Radio) Every August 30th, the world marks the International Day of the Disappeared, which remembers the countless people all over the world who went missing in connection with armed conflict and other emergencies.

While the authorities concerned have an obligation under international humanitarian law to do everything in their power to determine what happened to those who went missing, the International Committee of the Red Cross says a greater commitment needs to be made to help the families of the missing overcome the difficulties confronting them in their daily lives.

Marianne Pecassou, who heads the activities carried out by the ICRC for the families of missing persons, said “people who don't know whether those who have vanished are alive or dead are leading lives of uncertainty.”


"No matter how much time has passed, the authorities must to do everything in their power to throw light on what happened to those who went missing and to provide the families with any information they obtain," said Ms. Pecassou. "Meanwhile, it is urgent to give the families the support they need to deal with everyday challenges and live decently."

Listen to the interview by Charles Collins with Dorothea Krimitsas, press officer for the ICRC: