Disappeared & Missing Persons in Peacebuilding

Whether resulting from armed conflict, political repression, internal crises, or other forms of violence and instability, the issue of missing and disappeared persons has profound and lasting effects on individuals, families, and entire communities. It carries social, psychological, and legal consequences, presenting a deep humanitarian and human rights challenge. Addressing this issue is not only a legal obligation but also a vital step toward reconciliation and sustainable peace. When societies recognize the significance and complexity of addressing the issue, the need for effective and comprehensive approaches becomes obvious. Over the past decades, various mechanisms and processes have been developed involving a broad range of stakeholders. These include truth commissions, forensic investigations, and memorialization initiatives, all aimed at addressing the plight of missing and disappeared persons and contributing to sustainable peace.

This course examines the possibilities and complexities of addressing cases of missing and disappeared persons in different contexts. Participants will explore legal, psychosocial, and institutional approaches, drawing on experiences from Bosnia, Colombia, Sri Lanka, El Salvador, and Syria. Through engagement with key local actors, they will develop an understanding of the rights of victims and their families, the role of state and non-state actors, and the challenges of implementing effective processes and mechanisms. By acquiring practical tools and comparative insights, participants will be equipped to design context-specific solutions. They will be able to enhance their contribution to truth, justice, and peace in their own contexts.

As a participant, you will:

- Understand the concepts, definitions and international legal framework of missing persons, including victims of enforced disappearance and the resulting obligations of states.
- Gain an overview of how the issue relates to the different aspects of dealing with the past and peace processes (including search / truth-seeking, justice / accountability, documentation, memorialization, reparation, and guarantees of non-recurrence) and how the topic can be approached holistically.
- Analyze the role and experiences of different stakeholders, such as families, states, international bodies, non-state actors, and exploring different approaches around the world.
- Explore the different experiences of various (official and non-official) mechanisms that have addressed the issue and analyze key aspects and challenges, such as coordination, collaboration, and information management.
- Learn about the ethical considerations and approaches needed when dealing with disappeared and missing persons cases, such as victim sensitive and victim centered approach, mental health and psychosocial support, gender sensitivity and intersectionality.

This course is designed for a diverse range of professionals interested in or involved with issues related to disappeared and missing persons.

This includes:
- Individuals working in governmental and non-governmental organizations and with international donors supporting peace and dealing with the past processes, as well as in disaster relief and development cooperation, in contexts where persons disappeared or went missing in the past.

- Representatives of local government institutions, lawyers, prosecutors and other law enforcement actors engaged in missing persons and search processes, as well as family members of the disappeared and other civil society representatives in contexts where this is a relevant topic.

- Students and researchers in fields related to human rights, dealing with the past, international relations, peace and conflict studies or social work with an interest in the issue.

Is this course a good match for you? If unsure, do not hesitate to contact us at academy@swisspeace.ch

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