The 18th session of the Coordination Mechanism for the Search for Missing Persons, involving Georgian and Abkhaz participants and facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross, was convened in Istanbul. The Office of the State Minister reported on the event.

According to the agency, the meeting evaluated the current progress and scrutinised the challenges encountered in the ongoing efforts to locate and identify individuals missing for over 30 years.

“The 18th meeting of the Coordination Mechanism, involving both Georgian and Abkhaz representatives, was held in Istanbul to uncover the fate of persons missing as a result of the armed conflicts of 1992–93 and their aftermath. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) chaired the gathering in its role as a neutral mediator.

Discussions focused on the achievements to date, as well as the obstacles faced in the search and identification process for those missing for more than three decades.

Participants exchanged available information, which will help identify missing persons. The parties emphasised the importance of maintaining an ongoing dialogue grounded in purely humanitarian principles and ensuring active engagement within the Coordination Mechanism. Such efforts are vital to establishing the fate and whereabouts of the missing. The State Minister’s Office highlighted that “to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and effectiveness of the process, and to provide answers to the families, continued cooperation and information sharing are essential.”