Ukraine addresses missing persons challenge: International Commission for Missing Persons weighs in

In a recent interview on Hromadske Radio’s podcast «Ukraine Calling» Matthew Holliday, Program Director for Europe at the International Commission for Missing Persons (ICMP), shed light on the intricate challenges Ukraine faces in dealing with the issue of missing persons. Holliday emphasized the dual nature of the problem, addressing both the broader policy challenges and the deeply personal experiences of families searching for their missing relatives.

«The issue is a huge challenge to Ukraine and, obviously, also to the families that have their relatives missing. On the one hand, there’s state responsibility, a policy issue, if you like. But on the other hand, it is deeply personal: it comes down and touches individual citizens that have their missing relatives and are seeking answers», — Holliday stated.

Acknowledging Ukraine’s efforts, Holliday commended the country for taking significant steps to fulfill its responsibilities. He highlighted the adoption of the law on persons missing in special circumstances and the active involvement of various institutions in the process. Notably, the Department on Missing Persons within the Ministry for Internal Affairs, the National Police, and DNA labs within the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Internal Affairs are all working collaboratively to address the issue.

«We know that the Prosecutor’s Office is engaged 24/7, trying to build cases to hold perpetrators accountable», — Holliday added, emphasizing the comprehensive approach Ukraine has taken in tackling the problem.

However, he also noted that despite Ukraine’s commendable efforts, there are still gaps that need attention. Holliday pointed out that many of these gaps are related to the collaboration and coordination among different institutions within Ukraine. He acknowledged the inherent challenges of ministries working together in any country and expressed optimism about Ukraine’s progress in overcoming these hurdles.

«Ukraine has done and is doing a huge amount, but I think there are gaps, and I think a lot of these gaps relate to how the institutions in Ukraine relate one to another. It’s challenging in any country for one ministry to work with another ministry, but I think Ukraine is getting there, and ICMP is doing its bit to support Ukraine in fulfilling its obligations», — Holliday concluded.

The ICMP, as an international organization, plays a crucial role in supporting countries like Ukraine in addressing missing persons cases. With its global expertise and collaborative approach, the ICMP aims to assist Ukraine in closing the remaining gaps and ensuring a more seamless coordination among institutions.

You can listen to the full podcast — Missing persons issue: A huge challenge for Ukraine