Red Cross starts tracing service for people missing in Ukraine conflict

Australian Red Cross can help people contact missing family members affected by the conflict in Ukraine.

The Red Cross Red Crescent movement operates a worldwide tracing service, called the Restoring Family Links (RFL) program, for people who have lost contact with family due to war, conflict or disasters.

Due to the escalation of fighting in Ukraine, its estimated more than a million people have left their homes and are crossing borders into neighbouring European countries, including Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, and Poland.

The mass exodus of people is expected to continue as people flee to safety.

“Our hearts go out to those worried about friends and family affected by the escalating conflict in Ukraine,” Red Cross protection manager Nicole Batch said.

“While communications are still up, most people are able to get in touch with friends and family who are on the move themselves, but this may change as the bomb attacks and shelling continues.

“If you are unable to reach your family members in Ukraine or Russia as a result of the current situation, we encourage you to call Australian Red Cross and our team will assess your situation and whether we can open a case in relation to your family members. We know that for those on the move and leaving Ukraine, support is available in the bordering countries which will help families re-establish contact in the coming days,” Ms Batch said.

Those who have not been able to reach family members in Ukraine or Russia, please call the Australian Red Cross RFL hotline on 1800 875 199 for assistance. We can collect an enquiry, but it may take some time before we can provide an update on your case, as teams in Ukraine work through a challenging operational environment.

The Australian Red Cross Ukraine Crisis appeal is raising funds to deliver humanitarian assistance for people in Ukraine and those displaced in neighbouring countries.

The Ukraine Red Cross Society, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent continue to deliver humanitarian relief across the country.

Donations can be made via redcross.org.au/Ukraine or by phoning 1800 REDCROSS (1800 733 276)