For which purpose the Red Cross tracing services are used?
Red Cross tracing services help close family members locate each other when the contact with family members is lost as a result of war or natural disaster.
Which countries provide Red Cross tracing services?
All countries that have Red Cross or Red Crescent activities. During war or natural disasters the possibilities of the Red Cross to provide tracing services may be limited.
How does tracing services work?
The enquirer fills in a tracing request form and delivers it to the Red Cross. The form is handled at the Finnish Red Cross Headquarters and forwarded to the country where the search will be conducted. After the sought person has been found, we request whether he/she wants to be in contact with the enquirer. Provided that he/she wants to be in contact, the Red Cross sends his/her contact information to the enquirer.
Who traces the person and who receives the information I have given?
The Red Cross or the Red Crescent local staff, or staff of the Red Cross International Committee does the search. Personal data is given only in purpose of getting the address of the sought person. If we use newspapers, radio, Internet or other media, we request a separate permission for it. We don’t give information to outsiders.
How long does it take to trace a person?
It is very difficult to estimate how long it takes to locate a person. The duration of tracing depends on the country, conflict in question, moving of the sought persons and other matters, which are difficult to anticipate. However, we try to use all possibilities at our disposal, even though it might take some time.
What if you don’t find the person I am tracing?
We will inform the enquirer when the active tracing is terminated. Even after this, the personal data of the sought person will remain in our database, and if any new information appears, we can restart tracing.
Why do I have to give my consent to data processing?
By your consent you give permission to process and send data. Without your permission we can’t do the tracing.
I am a minor, can I trace my parents?
You can start a tracing process, but you must request your provider’s or representative’s consent to data processing.
Can you trace also other persons than those lost as a result of war or natural disaster?
Yes we can, but this type of tracing has limitations regarding certain countries. We help trace persons when the enquirer’s own resources to conduct a search are inadequate. A person may not be able to conduct a search due to old age or illness, for example.
I have an estate the beneficiary of which has disappeared abroad, can you help me?
We don’t take care of matters relating to estates. Legal aid offices, lawyer’s offices and Ministry for Foreign Affairs treat matters concerning estates.
I do genealogy, can you help me?
The Red Cross doesn’t do genealogical searches. We mostly trace persons lost due to war or natural disaster.
I didn’t find an answer to my question from this list, where can I get further information?
Contact the Red Cross Headquarters, Tracing Services,
Tel. (09) 129 3344 or by e-mail aki.vaila(at)redcross.fi
email
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