The State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality, Tea Akhvlediani, opened an event in Tbilisi dedicated to the International Day of the Disappeared.

Speaking at the Memorial to Missing Persons on Tamarashvili Alley, Akhvlediani emphasized the importance of the State Program for the Search for Missing Persons, launched in response to the armed conflicts of the 1990s and the August 2008 Russo-Georgian War.

“On August 30, we once again recall the difficult fate of those who went missing and their families, among the gravest consequences of the conflicts in Georgia. This year, in addition to Tbilisi, commemorative events are being held simultaneously in Batumi, Kutaisi, Gori, and Zugdidi. We express our support to around 2,000 families who need to know that Georgia will always honor our fellow citizens, soldiers, and heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country’s unity,” Akhvlediani said.

The State Minister underlined that the government, together with the International Committee of the Red Cross, continues efforts to locate missing persons and provide closure for affected families.

“We will continue to implement the state program with the support of the Red Cross, taking into account the wishes of the families, to end their long-standing uncertainty,” she noted, thanking families, partner organizations, and state representatives for their cooperation.

According to official data, around 2,000 people remain missing as a result of the conflicts in Georgia. To date, the remains of 323 individuals have been identified and returned to their families under the state program.