August 30, 2021

Marine Online profite de la hausse sur le marché des chantiers de démolition

En tirant parti des prix attractifs de l’acier pour amener davantage de navires vers les chantiers de recyclage

SINGAPOUR, 30 août 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Les navires sont envoyés à la démolition généralement après 15 à 20 ans d’utilisation. Cependant, la pression de la pandémie a contraint certains armateurs à lever des capitaux grâce à une mise au rebut précoce des navires, profitant ainsi des prix attractifs de l’acier. La nature cyclique de la démolition de navires constitue également un défi pour de nombreux armateurs qui doivent profiter de la période où les prix de l’acier sont les plus élevés. Marine Online comble le fossé entre les armateurs et la fluidité du marché en offrant des informations fiables, permettant aux armateurs de maximiser leurs investissements aux bons moments.

L’équipe de Marine Online a une connaissance approfondie des dernières tendances du marché, y compris du secteur de la démolition. Dotés d’une forte capacité d’analyse, les armateurs peuvent s’attendre à des résultats de négociation favorables grâce à des conseils avisés sur les mouvements du marché. De plus, l’équipe de Marine Online est toujours prête à proposer les meilleures recommandations possibles dans l’intérêt des clients.

Bharat Bahl, responsable des ventes et des achats de Marine Online, a déclaré : « Nos négociations fructueuses sont attribuées à notre bonne compréhension du marché de la démolition, en particulier les retours (prix de l’acier) correspondant au bon moment. Nous nous efforçons d’aider notre clientèle à convertir leurs actifs expirés en rendements optimaux. De plus, nous nous efforçons d’aider les armateurs à faire en sorte que leurs navires arrivent au chantier de démolition sans encombre et à temps. Nos solides relations avec plus de 700 ports dans le monde, 10 000 fournisseurs de services agréés complètent notre service et notre engagement à tenir nos promesses. »

Marine Online est une plateforme centrée sur le client offrant aux professionnels du secteur maritime des solutions ventes de navires efficaces et de vente et d’achat de navires. À ce jour, Marine Online a réalisé des transactions pour des acheteurs et des vendeurs dans le monde entier.

À propos de Marine Online (Singapore) Pte Ltd

Marine Online est la première plateforme intégrée à guichet unique au monde spécialisée dans les services maritimes pour le marché mondial. Lancée en 2019, elle a fourni divers services maritimes via sa plateforme révolutionnaire compatible avec l’IA et le Big Data aux propriétaires de navires et de cargaisons de la région. Avec son portefeuille composé de 8 principaux services, Marine Online façonne l’avenir du secteur maritime en ayant recours à une technologie de pointe pour créer des opportunités commerciales et des échanges. Pour plus d’informations, rendez-vous sur www.marineonline.com

August 30, 2021

Le Kenya accorde l’autorisation d’utilisation d’urgence au test rapide antigénique de dépistage de la COVID-19 INDICAID(TM)

HONG KONG et NAIROBI, Kenya, 30 août 2021 /PRNewswire/ — PHASE Scientific annonce que son test rapide antigénique de dépistage de la COVID-19 INDICAID™ (INDICAID™) a reçu l’autorisation d’utilisation d’urgence du ministère de la Santé de la République du Kenya le 17 août 2021. L’autorisation permet l’utilisation du test au Kenya pour le dépistage des cas de COVID-19, facilitant ainsi l’isolement, le diagnostic et le traitement précoces des patients.

Le test rapide antigénique de dépistage de la COVID-19 INDICAID™ est un test immunologique à flux latéral conçu pour la détection qualitative des antigènes du SRAS-CoV-2. Contrairement aux autres méthodes de test qui utilisent des échantillons par écouvillonnage nasopharyngé, INDICAID™ utilise des échantillons par écouvillonnage nasal pour fournir des résultats rapides en 20 minutes sans avoir besoin d’un équipement précis ou d’une installation spéciale.

INDICAID™ a été validé par le plus grand essai clinique au monde pour un produit de ce type, dont les résultats ont été publiés dans Microbiology Spectrum le 4 août 2021. Dans cet essai de test à double voie, 22 994 sujets asymptomatiques ont été testés en utilisant à la fois INDICAID™ et un test RT-PCR de confirmation dans les centres de dépistage de la COVID-19 communautaires à Hong Kong. Les résultats montrent que le test INDICAID™ présente une excellente sensibilité et spécificité et est efficace pour un dépistage rapide de la population.

« L’autorisation d’INDICAID™ par différents pays indique que notre technologie et notre qualité sont bien reconnues au niveau mondial », déclare le Dr Ricky Chiu Yin-to, fondateur et PDG de PHASE Scientific. « Grâce à la haute sensibilité d’INDICAID, le produit peut non seulement aider à détecter les cas positifs symptomatiques, mais aussi être utilisé pour le dépistage dans les populations asymptomatiques. » Le Dr Chiu a également mentionné que le Kenya est le premier marché africain sur lequel la société s’implante, et qu’elle continuera à s’étendre à d’autres pays africains pour aider à combattre la COVID-19.

Le test rapide de dépistage de la COVID-19 INDICAID™ a reçu l’autorisation d’utilisation d’urgence de la Food & Drug Administration (FDA) américaine et le marquage CE européen. Le kit a été largement adopté dans les centres de test de la COVID-19, les hôpitaux, les entreprises publiques et privées, les supermarchés, les hôtels et les écoles, à Hong Kong et à l’étranger. INDICAID™ est actuellement disponible dans 33 pays. C’est le kit de test rapide le plus vendu à Hong Kong.

À propos de Phase Scientific International LTD : PHASE Scientific est une société de biotechnologie à forte croissance fondée par une équipe de bioingénieurs de l’UCLA. L’organisation se concentre sur la création d’outils qui habilitent les gens en leur fournissant de meilleurs renseignements sur leur santé. Son siège social est situé à Hong Kong, et sa présence sur le marché englobe la recherche et le développement, la fabrication et la distribution à Hong Kong, en Chine continentale et en Californie du Sud. Pour en savoir plus : https://phasescientific.com/.

Logo : https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1214883/PHASE_Scientific_Company_Logo.jpg

August 30, 2021

Kenya Grants Emergency Use Authorization for the INDICAID(TM) COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test

HONG KONG and NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — PHASE Scientific announces that its INDICAID™ COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test (INDICAID™) has received Emergency Use Authorization from the Ministry of Health (MOH) of the Republic of Kenya on 17 August 2021. The authorization enables the test to be used in Kenya for the identification of COVID-19 cases, facilitating early isolation, diagnosis and treatment of patients.

The INDICAID™ COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test is a lateral flow immunoassay designed for qualitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigens. Unlike other testing methods that use nasopharyngeal swab specimens, INDICAID™ uses nasal swab specimens to provide fast results within 20 minutes without need of any special equipment or facilities.

INDICAID™ has been validated in the world’s largest clinical trial for a product of its kind, results from which have been published in Microbiology Spectrum on 4 August 2021. In this Dual-Track testing trial, 22,994 asymptomatic subjects were tested using both INDICAID™ and a confirmatory RT-PCR test at COVID-19 community testing centers in Hong Kong. Results show that INDICAID™ has excellent sensitivity and specificity and is effective for fast population screening.

“The authorization of INDICAID™ from various countries indicates our technology and quality are well-recognized globally,” says Dr. Ricky Chiu Yin-to, Founder and CEO of PHASE Scientific. “Thanks to INDICAID’s high sensitivity, not only can the product help detect symptomatic positive cases, it can also be used for screening in asymptomatic populations.” Dr. Chiu has also mentioned that Kenya is the first market in Africa the Company enters, and that it will continue expanding to other African countries to help combat COVID-19.

INDICAID™ COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test has received Emergency Use Authorization from the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and the European CE Mark. The kit has been widely adopted in COVID-19 testing centers, hospitals, government and private corporations, supermarkets, hotels and schools in Hong Kong and overseas. INDICAID™ is currently available in 33 countries, and is the best-selling rapid test kit in Hong Kong.

About Phase Scientific International LTD: PHASE Scientific is a high-growth biotech company founded by a team of bioengineers from UCLA. The organization is focused on building tools that empower people by giving them better information about their health. Headquartered in Hong Kong, its footprint includes research and development, manufacturing and distribution in Hong Kong, mainland China and Southern California. For more information: https://phasescientific.com/.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1214883/PHASE_Scientific_Company_Logo.jpg

August 30, 2021

Marine Online’s Rides On The Bullish Demolition Market

Leveraging attractive steel prices to drive more ships to the recycling yards

SINGAPORE, Aug. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Ships are sent for demolition typically after between 15 and 20 years of usage. However, the pandemic’s pressure has compelled some shipowners to sustain themselves by raising capital with early vessel scrapping – cashing in on attractive steel prices. The cyclical nature of ship demolition also poses a challenge for many shipowners to catch the period where steel prices are at their peak. Marine Online closes the gap between shipowners and market fluidity by offering reliable information, enabling shipowners to maximise their investments at the right times.

The team at Marine Online’s has a firm understanding of the latest market sentiments including the demolition sector. Equipped with strong analytical aptitude, shipowners can look forward to favourable negotiation outcomes with sound advisories related to prevailing market movements. Additionally, Marine Online’s team is always ready to propose the best possible recommendations in the clients’ best interests.

Bharat Bahl, Marine Online’s Sales and Purchase Manager remarked: “Our successful negotiations are attributed to having sound grasp of the demolition market – especially the returns (steel prices) corresponding with the right timing. We strive to help our clientele convert their expired assets into optimum yields. Additionally, we go the extra mile in assisting shipowners have their vessels arrive at the scrap yard smoothly and on time. Our strong connections with over 700 ports worldwide, 10,000 authorised service providers complement our service and commitment to deliver.”

Marine Online is a client-centric platform providing maritime professionals with effective vessel sales and purchase solutions. To date, Marine Online has transacted for both buyers and sellers worldwide.

About Marine Online (Singapore) Pte Ltd

Marine Online is the world’s first one-stop integrated platform specialising in maritime services for the global market. Launched in 2019, it has provided various maritime services through its revolutionary A.I and Big Data enabled platform to regional ship and cargo owners. With its portfolio of 8 major services, Marine Online shapes the future of maritime by using cutting edge technology to create business opportunities and connections. For more information, visit www.marineonline.com

August 30, 2021

Vinamilk intensifie ses efforts en matière de R&D pour s’imposer au niveau mondial

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, 30 août 2021 /PRNewswire/ — La Vietnam Dairy Products JSC (Vinamilk) accélère ses efforts de R&D pour créer des produits innovants enrichis de saveurs locales afin de satisfaire les divers goûts des clients mondiaux

Grâce à ses investissements stratégiques dans le développement de produits, son expansion internationale et son engagement en faveur de la durabilité, Vinamilk est devenue la seule entreprise laitière vietnamienne à figurer dans le Top 50 des producteurs laitiers mondiaux en 2021, au 36^e rang.

La touche locale de Vinamilk gagne la confiance internationale

Vinamilk's innovative products enriched with local flavours

Les efforts de Vinamilk en matière de R&D ont permis de développer des produits personnalisés adaptés aux marchés d’Asie, d’Afrique et du Moyen-Orient, malgré le défi que représente le manque de données de recherche dans certaines régions.

Ayant commencé avec une seule unité de stock de céréales pour nourrissons, la société a depuis développé et établi avec succès 66 unités de stock sur plusieurs marchés. L’un des produits innovants de Vinamilk est la céréale pour nourrissons Vinamilk Ridielac, au goût de banane et de datte. Lancées sur le marché du Moyen-Orient il y a 5 ans, ces céréales pour nourrissons, agrémentées d’une touche de saveur locale distinctive, ont été très bien accueillies, ce qui a favorisé leur pénétration ultérieure dans la région de l’Afrique du Nord grâce au sentiment partagé à l’égard de cette friandise.

Le géant laitier a également enrichi ses produits africains en vitamine A et en minéraux afin de contribuer à relever le défi de la carence en vitamine A. Ce problème a laissé 42,4 % des enfants d’Afrique subsaharienne avec un risque accru de mortalité infantile.

Au Moyen-Orient, qui représente 80 % des recettes d’exportation de Vinamilk, le produit Ridielac localisé de la marque est apprécié des locaux, notamment pour la variété des saveurs qui a permis aux consommateurs d’en changer régulièrement pour l’alimentation quotidienne de leurs bébés.

En Asie, Vinamilk a introduit le lait de coco condensé sucré au Japon pour répondre à la demande de lait végétal, tout en satisfaisant les consommateurs locaux allergiques au lait.

« Notre relation à long terme avec Vinamilk a été construite sur des services d’exportation précis et flexibles et des produits de haute qualité répondant à toutes les normes japonaises. Nous avons trouvé le nouveau lait condensé à la noix de coco impressionnant et nous espérons qu’il sera performant sur ce marché », a déclaré M. Jun Hamada, partenaire japonais de Vinamilk.

La stratégie commerciale durable qui entraîne la croissance malgré le COVID-19

Vinamilk's R&D department contributes significantly to the success of exported products

Le succès de Vinamilk à l’étranger est dû à une solide équipe de R&D composée de personnel hautement qualifié ayant une connaissance approfondie des réglementations alimentaires sur les marchés d’exportation, ainsi qu’à un investissement continu dans la coopération internationale.

En collaboration avec des partenaires locaux, notamment des instituts de recherche en nutrition nationaux et internationaux, Vinamilk fournit des valeurs nutritionnelles qui correspondent le mieux au marché local.

Depuis 1998, Vinamilk a enregistré une croissance significative des marchés d’exportation, des catégories de produits exportés et des UGS. Les activités à l’étranger représentent actuellement 15 % du revenu total de Vinamilk.

Grâce à sa stratégie commerciale et à son orientation durable, Vinamilk a connu une croissance régulière au cours du premier semestre de 2021, malgré les défis posés par le COVID-19, avec des recettes d’exportation de 2 772 milliards de VND (121,5 millions de dollars), en hausse de 13,1 % par rapport à l’année précédente

Vinamilk continue de réaliser des investissements importants pour son expansion mondiale

Pour l’avenir, Vinamilk vise à étendre sa portée mondiale pour servir davantage de marchés internationaux. L’entreprise a annoncé la création d’une coentreprise avec Del Monte, l’un des principaux producteurs et distributeurs de produits F&B aux Philippines. La stratégie consiste à investir massivement dans l’industrie laitière et à offrir aux consommateurs philippins des produits laitiers et des boissons sains, adaptés à leurs goûts et à des prix raisonnables. Les produits de la coentreprise devraient arriver chez les consommateurs philippins en septembre 2021

Vinamilk possède trois usines aux États-Unis, en Nouvelle-Zélande et au Cambodge, ainsi qu’un complexe agricole laitier au Laos. La première phase de construction du complexe agricole, qui a une capacité de 8 000 vaches et produit environ 44 000 tonnes de lait par an, devrait être mise en service au premier trimestre 2022.

À propos de Vinamilk

Fondée en 1976, Vinamilk possède actuellement 16 usines et 13 fermes au Vietnam et à l’étranger. L’entreprise possède de solides compétences en matière de R&D, avec des ressources humaines hautement compétentes et des laboratoires modernes et bien équipés, certifiés VILAS – ISO/IEC 17025.

Médias :

Ms. Pham Hong Hanh
+84-28-54-155-555
phhanh@vinamilk.com.vn

International :

Mr. Vo Trung Hieu
+84-28-54-155-555(Ext.102102)
vthieu@vinamilk.com.vn

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1598819/Vinamilk_s_innovative_products_enriched_local_flavours.jpg

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1598817/Vinamilk_s_R_D_department_contributes_significantly_success_exported_products.jpg

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1598818/1.jpg

August 30, 2021

African Union Commission Undertakes an Assessment Mission to Cairo, Egypt, to prepare for the official launch of the African Union Centre for Post-conflict Reconstruction and Development

From 15 August to 19 August 2021, the Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department of the African Union Commission (AUC) deployed an assessment mission to Cairo, Egypt, supported by AUC Divisions of Facilities Management and Security and Safety as well as the Information Technology Directorate.

The mission was deployed in furtherance to the Assembly Decision 756 (XXXIII) adopted in February 2020 which directed the Commission to expedite the operationalization of the African Union Centre for Post-conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD).

The objective of the Mission was to prepare for the official launch of the Centre and enhance operational tasks and capacities prior to its establishment.

The Mission led by Mr. Calixte Aristide Mbari, Ag. Director, Governance and Conflict Prevention Directorate of the Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department, which oversees the operations of Centre, had meetings with high level officials from Cairo including Her Excellency Ambassador Soha Gendi, Assistant Foreign Minister of Egypt for African Organizations and Communities, His Excellency Ambassador Karim Sherif, Deputy Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for African Union Affairs, His Excellency Dr. General Ahmed Ibrahim, Assistant Minister of Interior and President of the Egyptian Police Academy, Major General Dr. Ahmed Ibrahim, Director of the Egyptian Policy Academy, Major General Tarek Awad, Director of the Egyptian Centre for Peacekeeping Operations Training Centre and Major General Dr. Ashraf Abdou, Director of Training and Development at the Egyptian Policy Academy.

The Mission inspected the building offered to temporarily host the Centre and conducted discussions and consultations with the relevant authorities. The Centre’s bank account was opened during the mission. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Cairo coordinated with relevant national authorities to facilitate the mission. The AU Permanent Mission to the League of Arab States based in Cairo, worked with the visiting team to ensure the mission’s success.

The Mission met with potential partners to raise awareness on the Centre’s mandate. It visited the Egyptian Peacekeeping Training Operations Centre and had technical discussions with the Cairo International Centre for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding, an Egyptian public agency specialized in training, capacity building and research in the fields of peace and security in Africa and the Middle East. During a meeting with Ambassador Mohamed Khalil, Secretary General of the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development, Mr. Mbari acknowledged the need for the provision of technical assistance to countries in political transitions and post-conflict situations within the framework of the AU Centre for Post-conflict Reconstruction and Development. In doing so, the partnership would explore innovative ways to strengthen south-south cooperation within the framework of the African Solidarity Initiative (ASI) which was launched during the 19th Ordinary Session of the AU’s policy organs held in Addis Ababa in July 2012. The ASI was launched as an AU-led process for mobilizing support from within the continent for countries emerging from conflict, in line with the AU PCRD Policy adopted in 2006 in Banjul, The Gambia.

The organizational structure and functions of the AU Centre for Post-conflict Reconstruction and Development are based upon the six pillars of the AU PCRD Policy, namely: security, humanitarian/emergency assistance, political governance and transition, socio-economic reconstruction and development, human rights, justice and reconciliation, and women, gender and youth. As a specialized agency of the AU, the Centre’s role in spearheading the implementation of the AU PCRD Policy, is aimed at providing tangible peace dividends to communities, as well as contributing towards the effective coordination and enjoyment of peace in Africa. The AU and Egypt signed its Host Agreement in December 2019 on margins of the inaugural Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development held in Aswan, Egypt.

The Centre’s opening is illustrative of the AU’s commitment to support states undergoing post-conflict transitions. In doing so, it would be implementing Assembly/AU/Dec.425 (XIX) – on the ASI, which requested the Commission, in close collaboration with concerned countries, other Member States, and relevant stakeholders, to roll-out a full implementation plan, and to mobilize in-kind, capacity building, as well as financial contributions, to support post-conflict reconstruction activities and efforts in affected states.

During a debriefing meeting held on the last day of the mission, the delegation met with senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and held fruitful discussions on the next steps towards the Centre’s official launch. Speaking on behalf of the Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Assistant Foreign Minister Her Excellency Ambassador Soha Gendi reiterated her government’s commitment to provide the necessary support to the AU Centre for Post-conflict Reconstruction and Development as it embarks on its noble journey. She assured the delegation that necessary preparations will be finalized in time for the official launch before the end of the year.

Source: African Union

August 30, 2021

Going with the flow: Water’s role in global migration [EN/AR/RU]

Water has always influenced where we live. Today, as climate change accelerates the global water crisis, the relentless increase in the movement of people around the world requires a considered response to turn crisis into opportunity.

What makes us move

There are more than 1 billion migrants in the world today – and water deficits are linked to 10% of the rise in global migration. The World Bank’s just-released flagship publication on water shows that it is a lack of water, rather than too much, that has a greater impact on migration.

Ebb and Flow consists of two volumes. Water, Migration, and Development examines the link between water and migration, and the implications for economic development. It is based on analysis of the largest data set on internal migration ever assembled, covering nearly half a billion people in 64 countries from 1960 to 2015, and several national and global-level data sets that have been combined for the first time. Volume 2, Water in the Shadow of Conflict, addresses the interplay of conflict with water and migration dynamics. in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

Climate change is fueling water-induced migration, as rainfall variability in particular drives people to search for better prospects elsewhere. Seventeen of the world’s countries – home to 25% of the world’s population – are already experiencing extreme water stress. Water challenges are disproportionately felt in the developing world, with more than 85% of people affected by rainfall variability living in low- or middle-income countries.

This does not mean that there are waves of poor “water refugees” migrating to escape drought. In reality, it is the poorest who often lack the means to migrate, even when doing so might improve their livelihoods and prospects. Residents of poor countries are four times less likely to move than residents of middle-income countries.

Water in the shadow of conflict

In conflict-affected areas, such as the MENA region, there are added layers of complexity when conflict and unemployment are two of the driving forces behind migration. MENA is the world’s most water-scarce region, but water is more often a casualty of conflict rather than a reason for migration. Water infrastructure is frequently targeted during conflict, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without access to this essential resource.

However, direct conflict over water risks in the region is not as common as expected. In fact, water scarcity has historically led more to cooperation than conflict. Of 975 water events involving international river basins in the MENA region between 1948 and 2008, 56% were cooperative, 37% conflictive, and 8% neutral. Given the number of armed conflicts in the region over that period, the fact that water issues have historically led to cooperation is notable.

This cooperative approach needs to be preserved and strengthened as the effects of climate change intensify, and weather shocks inevitably exacerbate vulnerabilities and tensions over water resources.

Smart cities need smart policies

At a global level, migration is felt most acutely in cities, which are now home to 55% of the world population. Cities need to consider the policy implications of their growing population – not just the number of migrants they receive, but also the human capital they bring with them. Labor migrants who leave regions with lower rainfall and frequent dry shocks usually possess lower educational levels and skills than other migrant workers, implying significantly lower wages and less access to basic services at their destination.

As climate change and an influx of new residents put increasing strain on existing, often inefficient, water infrastructure, many cities are at risk of reaching “day zero”, when the taps run dry. Policies and infrastructure needed to build water resilience are expensive, but a drought is far more costly, potentially reducing a city’s economic growth by up to 12%.

It pays to invest in water

People, livelihoods, and resources need to be protected. A complementary range of policies can turn water-induced crises into opportunities. Policy-makers, especially in conflict-affected regions like MENA, will need to make trade-offs between short-term, uncoordinated measures to respond to immediate water needs, and long-term measures needed to address structural water issues.

In both cities and rural areas, there is an urgent need to build water resilience. People-centered investments in financial safety nets, portable assets like education, water supply and sanitation, health care, and safe housing for poor migrants can help protect people against severe water-related shocks. Cities can also implement better water practices, such as reducing water demand, recycling wastewater, harvesting storm water, and redesigning urban areas to resemble sponges that soak up water and store it below ground.

At the same time, livelihoods in areas people are migrating away from also need to be protected. These vulnerable communities would benefit from climate-smart farming techniques, farmer-led irrigation, and green infrastructure to buffer against water variability and scarcity. Short-term measures to reduce the impact of water shocks need to be complemented by longer-term strategies to broaden opportunities and build resilience in these communities.

Source: World Bank

August 30, 2021

Where are they? Searching for missing persons and meeting their families’ needs

People go missing in Africa during armed conflicts, other situations of violence, disasters and in the context of migration. In addition to missing persons themselves, their families bear the brunt of the trauma. Through coordinated action, governments can ensure family links are preserved or re-established and reduce the impact on society. This report draws on the ICRC activities with families, authorities and other actors to deal with the problem of missing persons and their relatives.

Key findings

In Africa, the impact of missing persons on individuals, families and communities is one of the most damaging and long-lasting humanitarian consequences of armed conflict and other situations of violence, along with migration.

Efforts are needed to address cases of missing persons and to prevent people from going missing. Families are central to these efforts.

Robust institutional and legal frameworks are essential in addressing at national level the issue of missing persons and their families.

Political will and sustained commitment are key to ensuring effective developments to deal with the issue of missing persons in compliance with international law. Those efforts can be nurtured at local, national and regional level. States should also address the question of missing persons within their efforts to solve conflicts.

The question of missing persons should be included in transitional justice processes, which play a crucial role in addressing the suffering of individuals, families and communities in postconflict situations.

Clarifying the fate and whereabouts of persons missing in the context of migration requires a strong and committed transnational effort from countries along migration routes in the region and beyond.

Recommendations

National authorities, regional bodies and the African Union should:

Acknowledge the tragedy of missing persons and address the problems their families face as a result of this situation.

Put in place preventative measures and early initiatives to deal with the issue of missing persons.

Identify relevant gaps, needs and limitations that hinder the prevention and the search for missing persons.

Respond to the various needs of families and ensure institutional and legal frameworks that allow for an individual-specific assessment and response. The rights and needs of families to know the fate and whereabouts of their missing relative should be at the centre of search processes and should be upheld.

Ensure political will to address the issue of missing persons and increase search capacity and efforts in that regard.

Consider establishing dedicated national mechanisms on the issue of missing persons where relevant.

Include the question of missing persons in truth-seeking, justice and reconciliation processes, which should have lines of coordination with other bodies tasked with clarifying the fate and whereabouts of missing persons. The AU’s transitional justice policy is a key guiding document.

Establish clear pathways to be followed in searching for and identifying persons missing in the context of migration. Clear principles should be adopted for the exchange of information and effective coordination channels among authorities in countries along migration routes.

Source: Institute for Security Studies