The Hague,16 December 2024: The Conference of States Parties to the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) met in diplomatic format at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the Netherlands, today to approve important amendments to ICMP’s founding Treaty that will further enhance the organization’s capacity to implement its global mandate. The occasion also commemorated the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty.
In December 2014, the Agreement on the Status and Functions of the International Commission on Missing Persons was signed by Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The Agreement established ICMP as an intergovernmental organization with its seat in The Hague. The ICMP Agreement includes a clause for its review at the initiative of the original Signatory States. Ten countries participated in the review process, and the amendments reflect practical lessons learned in the decade since the Treaty was signed.
One of the amendments agreed will clarify the criteria and process for States to become parties to the Agreement. States wishing to become parties to the ICMP Agreement are expected to have demonstrated commitment to addressing the issue of missing persons as a state responsibility. Another agreed change will facilitate the organization’s capacities to pursue multilateral initiatives among states, including a standing capacity to respond to the growing number of missing persons around the world.
The number of conflicts around the world – the highest number since 1946 – coupled with the consequences of global warming and an increase in migration has contributed to record numbers of missing persons. An effective standing capacity can respond to this in a manner that is in line with the rule of law and ensures that the rights of all families are secured, regardless of their national, religious or ethnic background, gender, economic situation, or political beliefs, or the circumstances of their disappearance or any other factor.
Today’s conference, which was hosted by the Foreign Ministry of the Netherlands, was organized with support from the governments of Germany, the Netherlands and Kosovo.
