A tripartite memorandum of understanding on data sharing has been signed between the State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality of Georgia, Tea Akhvlediani, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delegation head Ann Monavon, and the head of the Levan Samkharauli National Forensics Bureau, Giorgi Murvanidze.

According to the State Minister’s office, the agreement aims to facilitate the sharing of relevant data for humanitarian purposes in the process of identifying persons missing as a result of the 1990s armed conflicts and the August 2008 war.

The memorandum is intended to support the ongoing transformation of Georgia’s missing persons program, taking into account the gradual expansion of the role of state institutions in the process of locating individuals who remain unaccounted for.

Officials said the agreement will further strengthen cooperation between the State Minister’s office, the National Forensics Bureau, and the International Committee of the Red Cross in identifying the fate and whereabouts of missing persons, particularly in the areas of medical and genetic forensic support.

State Minister Tea Akhvlediani described the agreement as an important step in the implementation and transformation of the national missing persons program, emphasizing the importance of protecting families’ rights and personal data in accordance with Georgian law.