Families and friends of missing persons commemorated the International Day of the Disappeared on August 30 around the world. These are people who have been living with anguish and uncertainty after their loved ones just disappeared – as a result of violence, disaster or migration – and have been learning to cope with it day after day.

In Sri Lanka this year, the families of missing persons got together to give tribute to their loved ones in many different ways. While some decided to light up lamps, plant trees, sing songs or cook in their memory, others prayed together and spent the day simply talking about their loved ones and sharing anecdotes.

The ICRC supports the families of the missing in Sri Lanka through support groups that help them realise they are not alone.

Here’s a glimpse of how the day was marked in Sri Lanka:

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Sri Lanka: Families of missing persons learn to cope together