In the aftermath of conflicts, there are the missing, neither alive nor dead, swallowed up by war. Families anxiously await their return, a torment that can last a lifetime.
At the ICRC call center in Kyiv, Natalia, Olha, and Anastasia provide support to families of the missing, offering solace in times of uncertainty. Their work is a blend of suffering and grief, listening to heartbreaking stories and offering advice to ease the pain.
The ICRC’s Mission
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the ICRC established the Central Tracing Agency Bureau to locate the missing, the largest search operation since WWII. The ICRC’s unique position allows it to engage with states and uphold international humanitarian law impartially.
Despite challenges, the ICRC remains committed to its humanitarian mission, striving to bring comfort to those affected by conflict, advocating for peace, and providing hope for families of the missing.