International day of the disappeared

Could you imagine not knowing what had happened to a loved one?

For every missing person, there's a family in pain. Find out more about how many people who go missing on their way to Europe each year and how the Red Cross helps people find their loved ones

Last updated 28 August 2025

According to the International Organization for Migration, 3,300 people disappeared on their way to Europe in 2021. 

Sadly, as this number only represents documented cases, the true figure is likely to actually be a lot higher. 

It’s hard to imagine the human reality of the disappearance of 3,300 people, but there's a personal story behind each one. If you live in the UK, we may be able to help you find missing family.

And worldwide, helping families find and connect with their missing loved ones is central to the work of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Our family reunion service helps around 900 family members, on average, to reunite with their refugee sponsors each year. Without this, thousands of refugee families would not have safe routes to see their loved ones again.

In 2024, the British Red Cross:

• reunited 288 families
• brought 959 people to the UK; 702 of these were children, 109 of whom were unaccompanied
• supported 7,000 people with family tracing