Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein Opens Regional Expert Meeting on Missing Persons in Middle East and North Africa

On 27 May 2025 — Baghdad hosted the first Regional Expert Meeting on Missing Persons in the Middle East and North Africa. The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mr. Fuad Hussein, and the participation of local and international officials and representatives of humanitarian organizations.

Minister Hussein affirmed in his opening remarks that the meeting marks a turning point in discussing one of the most complex and sensitive humanitarian issues. In addition he indicated that the region, and the world at large, has witnessed numerous conflicts, crises, and natural disasters over recent decades, all of which have contributed to the rising number of missing persons—whether due to war, irregular migration, or natural catastrophes.

The Minister added “The outcome is the same: missing persons and grieving families. This reality underscores the urgent need for coordinated international efforts to address this multidimensional humanitarian crisis.”

Minister Hussein expressed his gratitude to the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) for organizing and supporting this important event. As well he commended the ICMP’s continued efforts in assisting affected countries and promoting effective approaches to resolve missing persons cases in a manner that delivers justice and dignity to the victims and their families.

In addition the Minister highlighted Iraq’s progress in this area, reaffirming the Iraqi government’s commitment to continued cooperation with relevant regional and international bodies.

“The search for missing persons,” the Minister stated, “is not merely a legal or national obligation—it is a humanitarian and moral duty that demands broad cooperation at the local, regional, and international levels.” He called for the strengthening of information-sharing mechanisms, increased support for specialized organizations, and greater public awareness around this issue.

Minister Hussein stressed that national judicial authorities must remain the sole bodies empowered to handle missing persons cases. He pointed to Iraq’s long and painful history of war, repression, enforced disappearances, and terrorism crimes that have resulted in thousands of victims and mass graves.

Furthermore, Minister Hussein commended the tireless efforts of national institutions in both the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government, stating that their dedication deserves full recognition and support.

At the end of his speech, Minister Hussein conveyed the gratitude of the Iraqi government and people to all international partners who have supported Iraq in this field, especially the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/ISIL (UNITAD), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP). He urged the international community to intensify its efforts and commitment to this pressing humanitarian cause.

The meeting also included remarks from several key figures, including Ms. Kathryne Bomberger, Director-General of the ICMP. The agenda included panel discussions on best practices, success stories, future plans, and legal frameworks, as well as key challenges surrounding the issue of missing persons in the region.