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 30 August 2023

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. In the past year, this included:

• Four families separated by conflict, violence, migration and disasters helped to call each other every minute
• 201,763 Red Cross messages collected
• 244,559 successful phone calls facilitated
• 167,151 Red Cross messages delivered 
• 5,364 new unaccompanied minors or separated children searching their families have opened a tracing request
• 55,057 new persons are being sought
• 12,519 people were located
• 4,774 people were helped being reunited with their families countries - journeys to safety often take years.