A) Objectives of the pledge:
The impact of the disappearance of individuals, at large is one of the most damaging and long-lasting humanitarian consequences of armed conflict. In Georgia, over 2, 300 people are reported as missing as a consequence of the 90’s armed conflicts and the August 2008 war. The families of missing persons are themselves victims of armed conflict. Their most crucial need is to know the fate and whereabouts of their loved ones. To address the needs of missing persons, under the auspices of ICRC, two humanitarian coordination mechanisms were set up in 2010 and have achieved valuable results. There is still a considerable workload, search for the missing and provide answers to the families of missing persons form part of the state policy.
B) Action plan:
Based on the fact that about 2400 people are still reported missing, clarification of their fate and whereabouts is one of the biggest challenges. Due to the lack of information and the passage of time, obtaining reliable information on gravesites, collection DNA samples from the families of missing persons and identification of human remains are becoming more difficult.
Increase cooperation among state agencies, provide the families of missing persons with accurate information on the fate and whereabouts of their missing relatives, increase public awareness and identify any gaps in practices or the need to develop them further is the priority of Government.
An Interagency Commission for the search of Persons went Missing as a result of armed conflicts was set up (24.10.2019) by the governmental decree, structured in a way that all relevant institution act on it in a coordinated, an effective and sustainable manner with the sole goal to clarify the fate and whereabouts of missing persons. This Commission will be an instrument to ensure the efficient coordination of the work and accelerate of the process.
C) Indicators for measuring progress:
– Number of identified and handed-over human remains to the concerned families.
– Number of profiled DNA samples from the families of missing persons.
– Frequency of Coordination Mechanisms and Inter-agency Commission meetings.
– Number of other actions taken by State for clarification of fate and whereabouts of missing.
Extent to which the specific needs of the families are met through the efforts of the GoG, jointly with the ICRC, and local and national stakeholders.
D) Resource implications:
The State will determine the resources that may be required to carry out this pledge in cooperation with partner donor organization.
