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Guiding Principles for the Search for Missing Persons

The Guiding Principles for the Search for Missing Persons are based on the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and other relevant international instruments. These principles also take into account the experiences of various international bodies and numerous countries worldwide. They outline the mechanisms, procedures, and methods for fulfilling the legal duty of searching for missing persons.

These principles aim to consolidate good practices for the effective search for missing persons, stemming from states’ obligations to undertake such searches. They are based on the expertise accumulated by the Committee on Enforced Disappearances (CED) during its first eight years, particularly through its Concluding Observations (Article 29) and Urgent Actions (Article 30). The principles were developed through extensive dialogue and consultation with numerous victims’ organizations, civil society groups, experts, intergovernmental organizations, and states.

Summary

Guiding Principles for the Search for Missing Persons

  1. The search for a missing person should be conducted with the presumption that they are alive.
  2. Search operations must respect human dignity.
  3. A public policy should regulate search processes.
  4. The search must adopt a needs-sensitive approach.
  5. The right to participation must be respected during search efforts.
  6. The search for a missing person should commence immediately.
  7. The obligation to search for a missing person is a continuous duty.
  8. Search operations must be based on a comprehensive strategy.
  9. The vulnerability of migrants must be considered in search efforts.
  10. Search operations should be efficiently organized.
  11. Information must be appropriately utilized in search processes.
  12. Coordination of search efforts is essential.
  13. Search operations should be linked to criminal investigations.
  14. Searches must be conducted safely.
  15. Search efforts must be carried out with independence and integrity.
  16. General protocols should govern search operations.

Source: United Nations – Guiding Principles for the Search for Missing Persons | OHCHR