The Regional Conference of Restoring Family Links Network for the Near and Middle East 2024 commenced in Al Khobar, Eastern Province. The event, hosted by the Saudi Red Crescent Authority in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and will continue for three days (11 – 13 November). This marks the first time the Kingdom hosts such a conference, aimed at sharing knowledge and practices and discussing theoretical and practical aspects of the humanitarian response within the International Movement to reconnect separated families, locate the missing, and support the deceased and their relatives.

The conference features meetings with representatives from national societies, ICRC missions, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Participants include ICRC offices and Red Cross and Red Crescent national societies from the Near and Middle East.

The agenda includes discussions on the Family Links Strategy 2020 - 2025 and beyond, highlighting the humanitarian efforts of the Saudi Red Crescent Authority for separated families and the missing. It will also present the “Shawafat” vehicle experience designed for restoring family links services, discuss the needs of dispersed families and their loved ones, and explore ways to protect personal data and the principles, methodology, and tools underpinning family links protection programs. Additionally, the conference will examine the regional dynamics of the Family Links Network.

The Saudi Red Crescent Authority will showcase its achievements in restring family links, aimed at minimizing family separation, restoring and maintaining contact between family members, and uncovering the fate of missing persons. Since its establishment in 2003 and professionalization in 2009, the authority has made significant strides in this field through to 2024.

Notably, the authority has conducted 1,392 phone and video calls for beneficiaries, sent 13,659 messages, and handled 328 search requests. It also facilitated the reunification of 94 Yemeni children with their families within Yemen and repatriated 187 individuals in collaboration with the ICRC and at the invitation of the Joint Forces Command to support the legitimate government in Yemen.