For families of the missing, the search for answers continues

Every 30 August, the International Day of the Disappeared shines a light on one of the most painful and enduring consequences of conflict, violence, migration and disaster: not knowing where a loved one is, or what has happened to them.

For families left behind, the disappearance of a parent, child, sibling or other loved one is not an ending, but an agonising uncertainty that can last for years or even decades.

The scale of the issue is growing. By the end of 2025, more than half a million people were registered as missing with the Red Cross Red Crescent Restoring Family Links network. The true number is likely to be much higher.

For people living in Aotearoa New Zealand, conflict, disaster and migration overseas can also mean losing contact with family thousands of kilometres away.

New Zealand Red Cross is part of the global Restoring Family Links network, helping people here who have lost contact with loved ones overseas. Across the world, the network works to trace missing people, restore contact and, where possible, reunite families.

In 2025, 37,100 people were located and 3,802 were reunited with their families.

Families of missing people also play an important role in keeping the issue visible and pushing for answers. International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) research shows their efforts can help build understanding and reconciliation, including between communities divided by conflict.

This International Day of the Disappeared, New Zealand Red Cross stands with families here in Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world who are still searching for loved ones and waiting for answers.

More information 

If you are living in New Zealand and have lost contact with family members because of war, disaster or migration, our Restoring Family Links service may be able to help you reconnect with your loved ones. Find out more and submit a tracing request