Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Croatian Republic

10/01/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/01/2024 09:03

Croatia, Switzerland co-chair Global Alliance for the Missing


The Global Alliance for the Missing is a group of states that, under the auspices of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), aims to raise awareness about the issue of missing persons and separated families at both global and regional levels and to encourage countries to address this issue. The Global Alliance collaborates in intergovernmental forums and through joint statements, promoting opportunities for technical cooperation and the exchange of best practices.

Launched on May 11, 2021, on the margins of the 150th anniversary of the Central Tracing Agency by the former president of the ICRC and the Swiss State Secretary, the Global Alliance for the Missing consists of thirteen member states: Argentina, Azerbaijan, Colombia, Croatia, Estonia, the Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Mexico, Nigeria, Norway, Peru, Switzerland, and Gambia.

Croatia joined the Global Alliance for the Missing in June 2023. At the very first meeting in Geneva, the issue of missing persons in Croatia, which remains the most severe humanitarian consequence of the Homeland War, was presented. The presentation, prepared using data from the Ministry of Croatian Veterans, explained the national experience, legal framework, cooperation with associations of families of the missing, and other related issues.

Member states have the opportunity to organize and participate in various activities of the Global Alliance for the Missing. By taking on the co-chairmanship, Croatia has gained significant visibility at the global level as well as recognition for its past efforts in promoting the resolution of the issue of missing persons as a humanitarian and human rights issue.

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