Geneva/Amman (ICRC) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), under the patronage of her Royal highness Princess Basma bint Talal marked the International Day of the Disappeared, held each year on August 30th, by organizing a public event in Amman on the 8th of September to honor missing persons and recognize the lasting impact of disappearances on families and loved ones during and after conflicts. 

The program featured a compelling live sand animation by the artist Maher Al Shoeibi, who vividly portrayed the emotional journey endured by families of the missing, creating a seamless and immersive narrative experience

This was followed by a heartfelt performance by the Mosaica Choir, with songs dedicated to the theme of missing persons, resonating deeply with the audience

Lastly, through an immersive walking exhibition, participants were invited to step into the journey of families of the missing through personal testimonies, objects, and visuals allowing participants to explore the profound challenges of living in prolonged uncertainty, while highlighting the quiet resilience families cultivate despite not knowing the fate or whereabouts of their loved ones.

The ICRC Delegation in Amman supports Syrian families of missing persons residing in Jordan by guiding them in exercising the right to know the fate and whereabouts of their missing loved ones, helping them obtain the information they need. ICRC’s support also includes providing psychosocial group sessions for emotional support and assisting with legal and administrative challenges resulted by having a missing relative.

Her Royal Highness Princess Basma bint Talal said “The uncertainty surrounding the fate of a loved one is one of the most difficult human experiences. Its weight is difficult to put into words, and only those who have lived through it can truly understand its depth, amid the psychological, social, and economic challenges that can weigh heavily on families for many years.”

Her Royal Highness also added  “women bear much of the burden of loss in most cases, placing additional responsibilities on them to provide care and support for their families. This reflects their resilience and strength in carrying on with life and holding on to hope despite the pain of waiting.”

Yann Fridez ICRC’s Head of Delegation in Jordan, emphasized that “The pain of not knowing the fate of a loved one is a wound that never heals. On this day, we reaffirm our compassion to the families of missing and our commitment to helping them find the answers they deserve and to providing the support they need."

In Jordan, over 5,000 missing persons have been registered with the ICRC by families searching for their loved ones. Most of these cases are related to the Syrian conflict, along with other conflicts around the world as well as issues related to migration. 

About the ICRC 

Since it was founded in 1863, the ICRC has been working to alleviate suffering and preserve human dignity during armed conflict and other violence. Together with our Red Cross and Red Crescent partners, we provide vital assistance, work to reunite separated families and search for missing persons.

In our confidential dialogue with authorities and arms bearers of all categories we advocate for the humane treatment of detainees and insist on compliance with international humanitarian law, to protect populations affected by armed conflict.

For more information:

Rafah Al Hadidi : 0777393701, ralhadidi@icrc.org