CERIS workshop on missing persons

On 19 March, the CERIS community came together in Brussels for a day of discussions centering on the topic of missing persons. The event focused on the complexities of missing persons cases and the importance of enhanced cooperation and innovation in addressing these challenges. Key discussions included improving data collection, cooperation between law enforcement agencies, and other key stakeholders active in this field as well as the role of new technologies in finding missing persons.

Across EU Member States, the handling of missing persons cases varies significantly. Differences in legal frameworks, procedural practices, and resource allocation contribute to disparities in how cases are prioritised and investigated.

In the welcome note, Marta Cygan, HOME.F Director, set the scene and highlighted the EU perspective on missing persons. The keynote speech by Izanne De Wit of PEN-MP (Police Expert Network on Missing Persons) stressed the need for rapid response and data collection, and detailed efforts in the development of AI-based tooling for identifying remains of victims. Panelists discussed a wide range of issues, such as links to criminality, impacts on families, and the interactions with and between NGOs and the public to help solve these missing persons cases.

Key take-aways included the need for improved collaboration and information sharing among law enforcement, NGOs, and other stakeholders. Tools like the Schengen Information System (SIS) were underlined to be key for cross-border information exchange.

Similarly, participants pointed out that the role of technology was vital in missing persons investigations, with potential in AI, facial recognition and data analysis. In these areas, continued research and innovation are essential while ethical and data protection considerations must also be addressed.

The need for better data collection and harmonisation across Member States was outlined as a key challenge in this field. Further significant challenges include addressing the issue of missing unaccompanied minors, and identifying human remains.

Participants agreed that the issue of missing persons in the EU requires a comprehensive and harmonised approach, considering the diverse categories of missing individuals, varying national practices, geopolitical influences, and the potential link to criminal activities. Enhanced cooperation, research, and collaboration between institutions, industry, NGOs and competent public bodies and the integration of advanced technologies are pivotal in improving outcomes for missing persons and their families.