South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Benjamin Takpiny
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Thursday it is dealing with nearly 6000 cases of missing persons in the country.
It said in a statement that ahead of the International Day of the Disappeared, that over 71,000 people across Africa are registered as missing with the ICRC, marking a 75 per cent increase since 2019.
The International Day of the Disappeared, observed on 30 August, raises awareness of the plight of missing persons, honors their memory, and acknowledges the emotional distress experienced by their families.
It also serves as a reminder of the importance of preventing and responding to the issue of missing persons.
“It is a time for us to gather and remember those who have gone missing and to honor them,” said ICRC Head of Delegation Florence Gillette.
Africa is the continent with the highest missing persons caseload, the largest number of unaccompanied children, and the highest number of family reunifications, based on ICRC-registered cases as from the end of June.
“This is also a time for us all to stand by the side of the families of the missing persons to express our understanding and solidarity with them,” said Gillete.
ICRC noted that August 30th provides an opportunity to show support for families of missing persons, including victims of enforced disappearance, and to commemorate their missing relatives.
Gillette said that armed conflict and violence in South Sudan have resulted in the disappearance of thousands of people. Many of them never returned and have never been heard from again.
“It doesn’t matter if the person went missing due to armed conflict, violence or a natural disaster, the suffering of the families is immense,” Gillette emphasized.
“The search for answers can be a long and difficult journey, but we must face it with empathy, support, and compassion. The absence of a loved one is a profound humanitarian tragedy that we must not ignore,” she disclosed.
Protracted armed conflicts in Africa have resulted in the disappearance of thousands of people. The continent is also prone to natural disasters, some of which are exacerbated by climate change, while perilous migratory journeys put vulnerable people at risk of separation and disappearance.
Under international humanitarian law, state authorities have the primary responsibility for clarifying the fate and whereabouts of missing persons. However, these authorities may lack resources or knowledge.
The ICRC and the National Societies can play a crucial role in addressing these challenges.
