The unbearable wait of the families of missing Algerian migrants

Every year, hundreds of thousands of Algerians leave their homes, leave their country, in search of a better life. Many are injured or even killed. And many others disappear without their loved ones knowing if they are alive or dead and what happened to them.

More and more young Algerians are trying to reach Europe by crossing the Mediterranean, their families, without news for several years, are in an interminable wait. Photos held up, on which appear the faces of young Algerians who have now disappeared. Overwhelmed, their families have not heard from them for more than years. The only certainty was that they wanted to reach Europe via the Mediterranean.

Families are demanding answers and psychological, socio-economic and legal support.

The obligation to protect the rights of missing migrants

Member States must take all necessary measures to prevent the disappearance of migrants and ensure, as the very foundation of human rights, respect for their lives and human dignity. When migrants disappear despite all measures taken, the obligations of Member States include, first and foremost, determining what happened to them and where they are, and investigating their names and identities.

The right to the truth and its impact on families

The obligation of States to investigate is closely linked to the right of families to know the truth about the fate of their loved ones. This is an essential right. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights concluded that the right to truth could be considered an inalienable and autonomous right, which was essential for the effective enjoyment of other fundamental rights.