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ICRC calls for special attention to mothers/wives of missing persons

On the occasion of International Women's Day, the ICRC has said that mothers and wives of missing persons deserve special attention.

"Since my husband went missing in 2004, I have no news of him. Many times, I asked the authorities to tell me where he is, but I have received no answer. I think that it is my right to know what happened to him," said Lila Maya Tamang of Govindapur VDC, Morang district.

According to a press release by the ICRC, under the international humanitarian law, all parties to a conflict must take all feasible measures to account for persons reported missing as a result of the armed conflict and must provide their families with any information they have on their fate and whereabouts.

"The ICRC fully supports the commitment made by the 7 Party Alliance and the CPN-M on the 8th of November 2006 to establish a High Level Commission in charge of the question of the missing persons and their families. The ICRC stands ready to provide its experience and expertise in this area. We call for action by the government to work towards resolution of this humanitarian issue," said Mary Werntz, Head of the ICRC Delegation in Nepal, adding "On International Women's Day, we pay tribute to all women who still today live with the terrible suffering of not knowing the fate of their missing loved ones. They deserve special attention and support."

The ICRC published on 15 February 2007 its list of people still reported missing by their families. It asked the families of missing persons and the general public to check its list and to contact the nearest Red Cross office with the objective of collecting more information about the missing persons. nepalnews.com sd Mar 07 07