Thank you to President and High Commissioner Volker Turk for their reporting and briefing on missing persons.
The United States emphasizes the importance of safeguarding its citizens, focusing on assisting those missing overseas. President Trump has prioritized the return of American citizens as a key policy. “We strongly support addressing the persistent and alarming issue of missing persons during and after conflict. Around the world, families have to live with unbearable uncertainty, unable to mourn, to grieve, and to honor their missing loved ones. Every one of them deserves closure,” a representative affirmed.
Concerns were voiced over several countries regarding the issue of missing persons. In Afghanistan, the Taliban have reportedly been behind numerous disappearances of human rights defenders, legal professionals, and others since 2021. There is also a call for the Government of Turkmenistan to release information on disappeared individuals to provide closure to their families.
In Syria, the situation is highlighted as critical after 14 years of civil war. As stated, “Peace and stability in Syria will depend on effectively ascertaining the fate of the missing, including Americans like Austin Tice, and advancing justice and accountability.” Cooperation with local and international mechanisms is urged.
Bangladesh has made strides with its interim government setting up a commission on enforced disappearances and releasing some victims from detention. Meanwhile, concerns persisted about enforced disappearances by cartels in Mexico. The U.S. welcomed Mexico's efforts regarding accountability and forensic identification. They commit to working with Mexican authorities and civil society to tackle these issues.
A question was posed to Mr. High Commissioner: “What steps can the international community take to help build the technical capacity of countries to find missing persons?”
The statement concluded with gratitude.