Missing in special circumstances

Due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, the number of people who go missing is constantly increasing. The state continues to work on improving the mechanisms for searching for and providing legal protection for such persons and their families.

In this context, the issue of the legal status of missing persons acquires particular importance. It is important to clearly distinguish between the concepts of "missing" and "missing", since they have different legal consequences.

A missing person is a person whose whereabouts are unknown and there is no information about their fate.

An unknown person is missing  is a person who has not appeared at their place of permanent residence for a long time (usually a year), and their whereabouts remain unknown.

It is important to note that the search for missing persons is a top priority for the state. Law enforcement agencies, public organizations, and volunteers are making every effort to locate the missing and return them to their families.

Social protection of persons missing under special circumstances and their families is a priority task for the Ukrainian state. They are guaranteed the right to receive a pension in case of loss of breadwinner, preservation of their place of work and position, as well as other types of social assistance provided for by law.

In the context of a full-scale war in Ukraine, this status is most often received by servicemen, volunteers, and civilians who were in combat zones, temporarily occupied territories, or areas affected by man-made or natural disasters.

The state continues to strengthen mechanisms for searching for missing persons, providing their relatives with legal and social support.

If a person's disappearance is related to extraordinary events, he or she may be assigned the status of "missing under special circumstances."

Such circumstances include:

• active hostilities;
• armed conflicts;
• temporary occupation of certain territories of Ukraine;
• emergencies caused by natural disasters or man-made accidents.

It is important to note that each missing person case is unique and requires an individual approach.

In the event of a missing person situation arising under special circumstances, it is recommended to seek legal advice from professionals who will be able to provide qualified advice and assistance.

It is important to distinguish: the statuses of missing in special circumstances and of a missing person have different legal consequences.

In conditions of martial law and other emergency situations, the issue of social protection of missing persons becomes particularly urgent. The Ukrainian state ensures the right to a pension in connection with the loss of a breadwinner, the preservation of a job and position, as well as other types of social support for missing persons and their families.

Families of missing persons can seek help from state bodies, as well as from public organizations engaged in the search for missing persons and support for their families.

Family members of missing persons have the right to priority care in medical institutions. Family members of missing persons have the right to receive free psychological assistance.

If you have information about missing persons, please contact law enforcement or specialized organizations that search for missing persons. Your information may help bring the person home.

If you need legal assistance in matters related to the disappearance of people, recognition of a person as missing, or other similar situations, contact the Law Firm "Prikhodko and Partners".