The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement reported today a dramatic 70% surge in the number of people registered as missing globally, a grim milestone driven by escalating conflicts, mass migration, and a weakening adherence to the laws of war.

Geneva

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent movement has reported a nearly 70 percent increase in the number of people registered as missing globally over the past five years, bringing the total to approximately 284,000. This surge is attributed to escalating conflicts, mass migration, and a decline in adherence to the rules of war.

The organization stresses that it is the responsibility of states and conflict parties to protect civilians and clarify the fate of missing persons. Despite the rising numbers, there have been successful efforts to locate individuals and reunite families, with over 16,000 people found and more than 7,000 families reunited in 2024. The Red Cross emphasizes that following international humanitarian law can significantly reduce the likelihood of disappearances.

Global missing persons crisis deepens as conflicts rage

A stark warning from the International Red Cross and Red Crescent movement indicates that the number of people registered as missing globally has surged by nearly 70 percent over the last five years. The report from Geneva states the figure has risen to approximately 284,000. The increase is blamed on escalating conflicts, mass migration and a concerning decline in adherence to the rules of war. The movement emphasizes that it is the primary duty of states and the conflict parties to prevent the disappearance by safeguarding civilians and clarifying the fate of the missing. Despite the grim figures, there are stories of hope. In 2024, the Global Family Links network successfully found over 16,000 individuals and reunited more than 7,000 families. The Red Cross notes that when international humanitarian law is followed, such as the rules on detainee communication and handling of the deceased, the likelihood of people going missing is significantly reduced. For now, a quarter million families still await answers.

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