Ihor Klymenko: We are using every available mechanism to establish the fate of every missing person as quickly as possible
We are using every available mechanism to establish the fate of every missing person as quickly as possible. This was stated by the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, Ihor Klymenko, on his official Telegram channel.
“In the search for missing persons, every step matters. We remember and stay in touch with the families who wait every day for news of those with whom they have lost contact. For them, every meeting, consultation, examination, or DNA sample matters – anything that might bring them closer to an answer to their painful questions. In this work there are no small details, because behind every request is a human fate,” the Minister wrote.
Every week, representatives of the Office of the Commissioner for Persons Missing in Special Circumstances meet with citizens to explain how to submit an application and what search options and avenues are available. The Commissioner’s offices operate in 12 cities across Ukraine and form part of the Coordination Centres for Support of the Civilian Population.
In every region, Missing Persons Search Centres also operate within police units, where investigators maintain direct communication with affected people searching for their loved ones.
The Commissioner’s hotline – 1698 – has already handled more than 46,000 calls. That is 46,000 human stories, questions, pain, and hope.
“To make the process more accessible, we are digitising it. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has created a Unified Information Platform on Persons Missing in Special Circumstances. Citizens have also submitted more than 8,800 online requests for extracts from the Unified Register – documents that families of missing persons need,” the Head of the Ministry reported.
The Minister noted that a separate focus is on strengthening the expert service. The MIA Expert Service operates 21 laboratories plus a further 3 direct-amplification laboratories. A new full-profile DNA laboratory has just started operating in Poltava.
“I understand how hard it is for people to wait for answers. That is why we are using every available mechanism to establish the fate of every missing person as quickly as possible. We are searching for everyone. We are supporting everyone,” Ihor Klymenko stressed.