Baku conference addresses rising global issue of missing persons

The 4th International Conference on ‘Strengthening trust and developing effective mechanisms to resolve the issue of missing persons’ is being held in Baku, Azerbaijan, as part of the Baku Dialogue on Missing Persons. The event is organized by the State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons and features high-ranking representatives from international organizations, diplomats, and human rights specialists.

Gian Luca Beruto, Secretary-General of the International Institute of Humanitarian Law (IIHL), emphasized the necessity of effective mechanisms and inter-agency cooperation to provide answers to families. He noted that success depends on authorities sharing reliable information and building trust through continuous training in international humanitarian law.

Kathryne Bomberger, Director-General of the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP), reported a steady increase in the number of people going missing globally due to conflicts, migration, and climate change, noting particularly high figures in Europe. She stressed the importance of establishing facts, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring families have the right to truth, justice, and compensation.