On 20 October 2026, Imilia Rana, addressed the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly on enforced disappearance, highlighting its enduring humanitarian consequences for both victims and the families left behind, following a briefing delivered by Mr Juan Pablo Albán Alencastro and Ms. Gabriella Citroni.

Marking the twentieth anniversary of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, the intervention emphasised that enforced disappearance remains a present reality, leaving families facing prolonged uncertainty, psychological distress and economic hardship. These challenges are often compounded in situations of conflict and displacement, where families may already have lost their homes, livelihoods and support networks.

Drawing on the Order’s humanitarian experience, Imilia Rana highlighted the work of Malteser International, which supported more than 700,000 refugees and internally displaced persons through its health programmes in 2025. She also underscored the importance of psychosocial support for those affected by displacement, family separation and the loss of contact with loved ones.

The Order called on Member States to strengthen mechanisms for the prompt search, identification and location of disappeared persons, ensure that families have access to information and effective remedies, and protect those searching for the disappeared from intimidation and reprisals. The intervention further stressed the need for stronger international cooperation and adequate resources for United Nations mechanisms working to address enforced disappearance.

Reaffirming the Sovereign Order of Malta’s longstanding commitment to humanitarian service and human dignity, Imilia Rana emphasised that the response to enforced disappearance must extend beyond accountability to include the care and protection of families. She called for renewed international commitment to ensuring that the disappeared are not forgotten and that their families are supported in their search for truth, justice and healing.