Mexico: Exhibition Honors Families of Missing People
1970-01-01 00:00:00
August 9, 2024, Mexico City – In Mexico and Central America, thousands of families are grappling with the absence of loved ones who have gone missing, carrying the burden of their absence and the hope of reunion.
Regardless of the passage of time or the circumstances surrounding their losses, states have the responsibility to effectively investigate and coordinate to provide answers to families and alleviate their suffering. This was emphasized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) during the opening of their recent exhibition, “Weaving Memory: The Legacy of Those Who Never Stop Searching.”
The exhibition pays tribute to those who continue to search for their loved ones, acknowledging the immense pain and uncertainty associated with their absence. Olivier Dubois, head of the ICRC’s regional representation for Mexico and Central America, stated, “No one should be left without knowing what happened to their lost loved one. This exhibition celebrates those who carry the burden of this pain with dignity and determination.”
The exhibition highlights the importance of community in the face of adversity, emphasizing how identity, love, solidarity, and support are vital aspects of the human experience. Dubois emphasized that the legacy of those who have passed on is often reflected in the unwavering determination of their families and friends to continue their search. This resilience and endurance become part of their identity, passed down through generations.
For the ICRC, the absence of knowledge about the fate of the missing is an urgent call to action. They urge states to intensify their efforts to locate and identify missing persons, emphasizing their responsibility in this crucial search. The organization also calls for comprehensive support for families, including medical, psychological, and practical assistance.
The exhibition emphasizes the importance of ongoing and systematic searches, stating that the cessation of such efforts can only be justified when the fate of the missing person is known. Carmona further stressed the need for states to establish clear procedures and facilitate conditions that enable continued searches in cases where the person being sought has passed away.