Amman, September 20 (Petra) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delegation in Amman has hosted a conference titled "Mental Health and Psychosocial Support for Families of Missing Persons: Bridging the Gap Between Theory, Research and Practice," with support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

The gathering brought together government representatives, mental health experts, academics, researchers, local and international organisations and families of missing persons from across the region and beyond.

The event falls under the framework of an ongoing partnership between the ICRC and KOICA focused on conflict and fragility.

The initiative aims to provide vital mental health and psychosocial support to families living with the uncertainty of their relatives' fate and whereabouts, helping to alleviate their prolonged suffering.

Conference sessions explored the unique challenges faced by women and children affected by disappearances, as well as the emotional toll on families during the search process, drawing on regional and international case studies.

Participants reviewed comparative research, including studies on "ambiguous loss" among migrant populations impacted by disappearances and family separation.

"Without answers, without a farewell and without a place to grieve, millions of families in this region live suspended between loss and hope," said Yann Fridez, Head of the ICRC Delegation in Jordan.

"International humanitarian law acknowledges this profound pain, but we must ask ourselves how we are preparing future generations of professionals to provide sustained, dignity-preserving support, he said.

For her part, Jeon Ji-hyun, Deputy Country Director of KOICA in Jordan, noted that the conference extends beyond showcasing project results, serving as a purposeful feedback mechanism that systematically connects field experience with academic theory.

"Through our strategic partnership with the ICRC, KOICA has supported the families of missing persons across legal, administrative, psychological, social and economic dimensions," Jeon added.

//Petra// AK