4th International Conference for families of missing persons unites voices from around the world

The fourth International Conference for families of missing persons, organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Central Tracing Agency (CTA), took place on November 11-13, 2025. The event became a unique global platform where more than 900 families of missing persons from over 50 countries could safely share their stories, exchange experiences, and find support among people facing similar experiences.

The global sessions of the conference were broadcast live from the International Committee of the Red Cross studio in Geneva, Switzerland. Simultaneously, about 50 local studios were organized by ICRC delegations and National Societies worldwide, ensuring broad participation and engagement of families in different regions.

The conference program included multilingual panel discussions, regional experience sharing, personal video stories, as well as interactive spaces for dialogue. This year the focus was on family initiatives: creation of small mutual support groups and associations, advocacy issues, participation of families in the tracing process, including issues of migration, safety and protection.

The National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan will continue active monitoring the conference’s activities and its key outcomes, which contribute to the joint work of the National Society and ICRC on restoring family links and supporting separated families.