ICRC Hosts Conference on Mental Health Support for Families of Missing Persons in Amman

The conference brought together government officials, mental health professionals, academics, researchers, and representatives from various international and local organizations, along with families of missing persons from the region and beyond. Organized under the ICRC-KOICA Conflict and Fragility Program (CFP), the conference emphasized a collective commitment to providing mental health and psychosocial support to families experiencing uncertainty about the fate of their loved ones and addressing their prolonged distress.

Keynote speaker Dr. Pauline Boss, a noted family therapist and creator of the ambiguous loss concept, opened the conference. The agenda included several presentations and expert panels that discussed the significance of MHPSS in local policies, academic curricula, and research initiatives. Special panels focused on the unique experiences of women and children affected by disappearances and the challenges families face during the search process, integrating insights from other countries.

The discussions centered on the personal experiences of families, illustrating the realities many confront. The conference functioned as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, connecting humanitarian efforts with theoretical insights. A significant portion was dedicated to developing future recommendations based on the contributions of attending experts.

Yann Fridez, the ICRC Head of Delegation in Jordan, stated, “Without an answer, without a farewell, and without a place to grieve, millions of families in this region live suspended between loss and hope.” He noted that while International Humanitarian Law acknowledges this suffering, there is a pressing need to prepare future professionals to provide ongoing and dignified support.

Jihyun Jeon, Deputy Country Director of KOICA Jordan, highlighted that the conference serves as a systematic feedback mechanism, linking field experiences with academic theory. KOICA, through its partnership with the ICRC, aims to support families of missing persons across various dimensions including legal, administrative, psychosocial, and economic aspects.

About the ICRC-KOICA Partnership:

The CFP initiative between the ICRC and KOICA focuses on providing comprehensive humanitarian assistance, including searching for missing individuals and supporting conflict-affected populations in Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan.