In order to alleviate the suffering of the families of persons deemed as missing and in this manner contribute toward the satisfaction of their rights, the National Government and the FARC – EP have reached two kinds of agreements: in first instance, to set in motion some initial and immediate humanitarian measures for the search, location, identification and respectable delivery of the remains of persons deemed as missing within the context and due to the internal armed conflict, which will start before the signature of the Final Agreement; and in second instance, the creation of a special Unit to search for persons deemed as missing within the context and due to the armed conflict.

In order to alleviate the suffering of the families of persons deemed as missing and in this manner contribute toward the satisfaction of their rights, the National Government and the FARC – EP have reached two kinds of agreements: in first instance, to set in motion some initial and immediate humanitarian measures for the search, location, identification and respectable delivery of the remains of persons deemed as missing within the context and due to the internal armed conflict, which will start before the signature of the Final Agreement; and in second instance, the creation of a special Unit to search for persons deemed as missing within the context and due to the armed conflict.

‘This agreement between the National Government and the FARC-EP to search for those deemed as missing fills us with hope. It is a step more in the right direction, in this huge effort so as the families who have suffered due to the absence of their loved ones can be certain that we’ll do everything we can so as they can heal their wounds.’ Those were the words of Paula Gaviria, Victims Unit’s head director, after the announcement of the negotiating parts in Havana (Cuba).

Within the framework of the armed conflict, in Colombia there are 45.515 people missing. Moreover, the Sole Registry of Victims includes 114,100 relatives, who are acknowledged as indirect victims. Antioquia, Meta, Valle del Cauca, Cesar, and Caqueta still remain as the departments most affected by forced disappearance. Around 88% of the disappeared in Colombia are men.

• For more information (in Spanish), please visit:http://www.unidadvictimas.gov.co/es/asistencia-y-atenci%C3%B3n-humanitaria/%E2%80%9Cel-acuerdo-para-la-b%C3%BAsqueda-de-personas-dadas-por-desaparecidas