WHO WE ARE? Global Family Links Network
Globally, the Family Links Network -comprised of the International Committee
of the Red Cross (ICRC) and 191 NationalRed Cross and Red Crescent Societies
(including the Pakistan Red CrescentSociety) – helps reconnect families separated or UAM (Unaccompanied Minors) separated from their families orguardians, due to armed conflicts, natural disasters, emergencies, internal displacement, irregular migration, and other humanitarian crises. The Family Links Network of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent (RCRC) Movement is the world’s largest humanitarian network, ensuring accessible services to everyone, even remotely.
Restoring Family Links (RFL) In Pakistan
The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS), in close partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), is actively engaged in the Restoring Family Links (RFL) program in Pakistan.
This humanitarian initiative connects families separated by conflicts, natural disasters, migration, or other crises, ensuring they can communicate and reunite with their loved ones.
As part of a global network of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, PRCS and ICRC work with utmost transparency and in strict compliance with consent requirements from relevant authorities.
This commitment ensures that the process of reconnecting families is carried out ethically, securely, and with respect for privacy.
Through the Global Family Links Network, PRCS mobilizes trained RFL staff and a strong team of dedicated volunteers. These teams are strategically deployed across national, provincial, and district branches to address the complex and urgent needs of people searching for family members.
With this robust collaboration, PRCS continues to provide compassionate, timely, and effective support, helping restore the vital bonds between families and strengthening communities affected by humanitarian emergencies in Pakistan.
Our Activities
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Each year, thousands of families, and unaccompanied minors (UAM) are separated due to conflicts, natural disasters, internal displacement, or irregular migration. People suffer terribly when they lose contact with their loved ones and don't know where they are or whether they are safe.
The Family Links Network strives to prevent family separation, search, and provide answers to families on the fate and whereabouts of their sought relatives, restore and maintain family links, and reunite families. Operating on a global scale, the network's
Family separation and loss of contact are among the most distressing consequences of humanitarian crises, affecting individuals, families, and entire communities. The impacts encompass isolation, asset loss, family conflicts, and economic hardship.
For those unable to restore contact or determine the fate of their relatives, they live in emotional uncertainty. Restoring Family Links is vital for maintaining family bonds and alleviating further suffering.
Through its international tracing services, the Global Family Links Network diligently works to reconnect separated family members by actively searching for sought relatives in their families.
These dedicated efforts often result in positive tracing, and family reunification is facilitated whenever possible to ensure the restoration of family unity.
In addition, the network enables families to communicate when standard methods of contact are unavailable through the exchange of oral or written Red Cross Messages containing personal family news.
Free phone calls and video call services are also offered to assist in re-establishing family contact. In times of specific crises or disasters, online websites and hotlines are activated to provide a platform for individuals to search for their family members or register themselves as safe and well.
Bridging the Gap for Families in Pakistan with Loved Ones Detained Abroad
Families in Pakistan and their relatives detained abroad can re-establish and maintain family contact when ICRC or National Society visits occur.
All Pakistani nationals detained abroad who benefit from PRCS and ICRC RFL services are notified to the Pakistani embassy present in the country of detention. The exchange of Red Cross Messages through the PRCS facilitates communication between families and detained relatives. Families in Pakistan can also request assistance in locating their relatives in detention places abroad, where ICRC or the respective National Society conducts visits to the detention places
WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU!
If you are searching for a family member, contact your nearest Pakistan Red Crescent office or call 1030. For more details and online tracing services, visit familylinks.icrc.org our website provides essential information on how we can assist you in finding a family member.
Key Messages
