Amman, Sept. 9 (Petra) -- HRH Princess Basma bint Talal called for sustained support for families of missing persons, saying the uncertainty surrounding the fate of a loved one can leave families facing psychological, social and economic consequences for years.
Princess Basma made the remarks Tuesday evening while patronizing an event organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) at the Jordan Hejaz Railway Corporation to mark the International Day of the Disappeared.
The event honored missing persons and highlighted the lasting impact of disappearance on families during and after armed conflicts.
Princess Basma said the occasion also recognizes those who work tirelessly alongside families searching for missing relatives and seeking answers about their fate and whereabouts.
She praised the ICRC’s commitment to people affected by conflict and violence, as well as its work to uphold international humanitarian law and ensure that the needs of families living with prolonged uncertainty are not overlooked.
"Not knowing the fate of a loved one is one of the harshest human experiences," Princess Basma said, noting that the psychological, social and economic consequences can weigh heavily on families for many years.
Speaking in the presence of Transport Minister Nidal Qatamin and a number of ambassadors, she expressed solidarity with families who continue to endure the pain of waiting and uncertainty, saying those who remain missing continue to live in the hearts of their families.
Princess Basma also drew attention to the particular burden borne by women in many cases of disappearance, as they often assume additional caregiving and financial responsibilities while trying to keep their families together.
She stressed the importance of providing families with sustained assistance, highlighting the ICRC’s Accompaniment Program, which supports families as they cope with the consequences of having a relative go missing.
ICRC Head of Delegation in Jordan Yann Fridez said the pain of not knowing what happened to a loved one leaves a lasting wound, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to helping families obtain answers and access the support they need.
Fridez said the ICRC assists Syrian families living in the Kingdom whose relatives are missing in Syria, helping them seek information about their loved ones’ fate and whereabouts.
The organization also provides psychosocial assistance and helps families navigate legal and administrative difficulties resulting from the disappearance of a relative, he added.
The event included a live sand-art performance by artist Maher Al-Shuaibi portraying the emotional journey of families waiting for news of missing loved ones.
An interactive art exhibition used personal testimonies, photographs and other visual material to document the challenges of living with uncertainty and highlight the resilience of families despite not knowing the fate or whereabouts of their relatives.
The Mosaica Choir also performed a selection of songs addressing the issue of missing persons and the profound human impact of losing a loved one without knowing what happened to them.
//Petra// RZ
