Work

Living up to obligations through the International Red Cross? A critique of states’ attempts to shift obligations when addressing missing persons

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The article identifies and explains a phenomenon whereby states attempt to shift their responsibility in relation to missing persons and their families to the International Red Cross. This has dual effect: firstly, it leads to rightlessness of the missing and their families, and secondly, it diminishes the obligations of the states, which are the duty bearers. The attempted shift does not, however, lead to the International Red Cross becoming a duty bearer, despite undertaking crucial actions in the analyzed area. Two case studies, relating to two distinct types of missing persons, are used to illustrate the phenomenon: persons who disappeared during the conflict in Cyprus between 1963 and 1974, and migrants going missing in the Mediterranean.

Source: Leiden Journal of International Law

DOI: 10.1017/s0922156525100496

Authors: Grażyna Baranowska, Nasia Hadjigeorgiou

Institutions: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Hertie School, University of Lancashire

Language: English

Topic: International Law and Human Rights

Subfield: Political Science and International Relations

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,550