Improved response mechanisms and clear, transparent communication urged for families of missing persons, says Aliona Luniova

Today, there is a critical need to establish an adequate communication mechanism for families of missing persons, ensuring they are informed about the appropriate authorities to contact and the entitlements and assurances they can expect from governmental support.

Aliona Luniova, Advocacy Manager at ZMINA Human Rights Center, stressed the need for a streamlined system to support families of missing persons during the unveiling of the analytical report “Ukraine’s Efforts in Searching for Missing Persons and Family Support” presented at Media Center Ukraine. 

Luniova emphasized that families often struggle to navigate the complexities of which state agencies to approach, leading to confusion and frustration. 

“Indeed, numerous government agencies handle these matters and frequently redirect inquiries elsewhere among themselves. The resulting bewilderment about how the system operates can be deeply frustrating for families. Hence, the response and communication systems must be transparent and easily navigable. Families require clear directions that guide families precisely on where to submit all pertinent information to minimize the need for repeated recounts of their stories and emotional distress.”

Highlighting gaps in awareness, Luniova noted from her interviews with families of missing civilians, she observed that nearly all were unaware of survivor’s pension entitlements if they were dependents of the missing persons, or had encountered denials of such benefits.

Currently, only around three thousand relatives receive such pensions, a number she believes could rise with better information dissemination.

“I stress the importance of developing a clear and precise communication mechanism for families, informing them where they can seek assistance. It’s crucial to consider that some relatives, particularly the elderly, may lack access to smartphones or be unable to follow hyperlinks in text messages, a troublesome situation that leaves them uninformed. This aspect must be taken into account. Additionally, if there’s a specialized body responsible for communicating with families, it’s vital that it has a sufficient dedicated staff capable of effective communication, recognizing the sensitivity and importance of their interactions,” emphasized Aliona Luniova.

Read more: https://mediacenter.org.ua/news