The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has called for increased effects to search for those who are missing and provide information on their fate and whereabouts to their families.
Mr Yann Bonzon, Head of Delegation ICRC said this in Abuja on Friday during the International Day of the Disappeared celebration with theme ‘ We Who Remain Behind Remember’.
“We gather in unity and solidarity to commemorate the day that holds profound significance for families who are living through the agony of having their loved ones missing.
“The day reminds us that an untold number of families in Nigeria do not know the whereabouts of a missing loved ones,” Bonzon said.
According to him, families have the right to know what happened to their relatives and a need of being heard answered to.
He said that the pain induced by the uncertainty of the fate and whereabouts of a missing person put families through immense difficulties.
According to him, families faced emotional and psychological toll to legal administrative, economic and psychological needs.
“ICFC underlines and calls for increased efforts to search for those who are missing and provide information on their fate whereabouts to their families.
“We renew our commitment to advocate for the right of the disappeared and for increased efforts to search for missing persons and provide answers to their families.
Bonzon said that ICRC and Nigerian Red Cross Society are working to protect and restore families links.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that two families from Adamawa and Borno States gave testimonies of their odes.
Mr Joshua Audu,, from Borno State said that they believed that government
has good intention for its citizens.”
“We belief, and agree strongly that the government has a good intention for its citizens,” Audu said.
He said that there was need for government to support in finding missing persons, particularly in conflict zones.
He cited the Kampala Convention, which Nigeria has asseded to, emphasising the government’s duty to inform families of the fate of their loved ones.
“If the government can pursue this policy by telling the faith or letting us know the faith of our missing person, it will go a long way to address the issues,” Audu said
Also,Mrs Kaltume Kachallah from Adamawa state shared her experience of community support and initiatives to cope with the loss.
“The community is very supportive, providing grains, sugar, money, and even helping establish small businesses,” she said.
Kachallah however said that there was the need for government intervention and support in finding missing persons.
“We want to beg the government to please look into that document and play its part,” she said.
The families appealled to the government to review existing laws and policies to address the needs of missing persons and their families.
“The Evidence Act has it that after seven years, the person will be declared dead, but what happens to the families during this period?” Audu asked.
The association of families of missing persons called for a balanced approach, seeking support for victims and perpetrators alike.
Audu emphasised the need for collective action and support.
“We want to start feeling connected to others sharing similar experiences and pain,” she said