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What Does the Commission Do?

The steps taken in the search process vary according to the circumstances of each case and the information available. Within its mandate, and as appropriate to each case, the Commission works to:

  • receive, preserve and review information relating to a missing or forcibly disappeared person;
  • verify information and cross-check it against information from other sources;
  • request relevant information from institutions, authorities and other concerned entities in accordance with the law;
  • listen to family members and to persons who may have information relevant to the search;
  • follow up on information that may help determine the fate or whereabouts of the person;
  • address, where appropriate, matters relating to burial sites, human remains and identification, in coordination with the competent authorities; and
  • coordinate with national institutions, specialized bodies and relevant partners when necessary for the search and clarification of fate.

The Commission is an independent body with legal personality and administrative and financial autonomy under Law No. 105/2018. The implementation of certain steps relating to the search and clarification of fate requires cooperation with other national institutions and specialized bodies.

What Happens After You Provide Information?

  1. Information Is Received

    The information you provide is recorded and stored within the systems and procedures adopted by the Commission.

  2. Review and Verification

    The Commission may need to cross-check the information against other sources or contact you for clarification or additional information.

  3. Search and Follow-up

    Appropriate steps are determined according to the nature of the case and the information available. This may require coordination with other institutions or specialized bodies.

  4. Communication with the Family

    The Commission seeks to provide the family with reliable information concerning the fate of the missing person that can be shared, in accordance with the law and the Commission’s adopted procedures.

Important to Know

Registering a case does not mean that an immediate answer is available. Some cases may be old or complex, and available information may be limited or contradictory. Verification may require time and cooperation with several entities.

In some cases, partial information may become available before a more complete picture of what happened can be established. The Commission does not treat unverified information as a final finding.

There is no standard timeframe for clarifying the fate of every missing person, as the circumstances and available information differ from one case to another.

How Can You Help with the Search?

You can assist the Commission by:

  • providing the information you know as accurately as possible;
  • clearly indicating when you are uncertain about information rather than guessing;
  • providing documents, photographs or additional information that may be relevant when requested;
  • informing the Commission of any new information you receive concerning the missing person; and
  • keeping your telephone number, email address and other contact details up to date.

If you have previously provided information about your relative to another organization or entity, this does not necessarily mean that you need to submit everything again from the beginning. Tell the Commission which entity you previously provided the information to. Where possible and in accordance with the applicable legal framework, the Commission will verify whether that information is available to it.

What Can You Expect from the Commission?

The Commission’s primary objective is to clarify the fate and whereabouts of missing and forcibly disappeared persons.

At the same time, it is important for families to have clear expectations:

  • The Commission cannot guarantee that an answer will be obtained in every case or within a specific timeframe.
  • The Commission does not reach final findings before the available information has been verified.
  • The Commission is not a court or public prosecution office and does not exercise criminal prosecution powers. The rights of individuals and families to seek recourse before the courts remain protected in accordance with the law.
  • The Commission does not directly provide financial compensation to families.
  • The Commission does not itself provide medical treatment or long-term psychological or social services. Where specialized services are available and appropriate, it may refer families to the relevant service providers.

Do You Need Assistance?

If you have difficulty using the Online Inquiry Center or have questions about how to contact the Commission:

Access the Online Inquiry Center (OIC)