Armed conflict, tensions, internal disturbances and disasters can lead to huge and sudden movements of people fleeing danger creating a global challenge. Sometimes parents and children become separated during this flight to safety. Other times, people can be going about their daily business when a disaster hits or fighting starts, children may be at school and their parents or siblings at work. It is easy, in these circumstances, to become separated.
In New Zealand, families wishing to try to trace their relatives overseas should contact their local New Zealand Red Cross Service Centre, who will be able to discuss the situation with them. If New Zealand Red Cross might be able to help, the enquirer will be asked to complete the relevant forms. These will be forwarded to the appropriate Red Cross or Red Crescent National Society in another country or to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
When a relative has been successfully traced, and this can take some time, they can once again be in contact by letter or phone. In areas of conflict, across front lines or in refugee camps, they may need to use Red Cross Messages to share their family news.
further information
For further information about the Restoring Family Links service or if the Red Cross can help out with your specific needs, please contact the family links team or phone 0800 RED CROSS (0800 733 27677).
>To view details of other programmes that aim to restore family links
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