Restoring Family Links (RFL)

Helping families stay connected in times of crisis.

When contact is lost, families are often left without answers, uncertain of the safety, whereabouts, or wellbeing of those they care about most.

The Restoring Family Links (RFL) service exists to help reconnect family members, facilitate contact whenever possible, and ensure that humanitarian concerns are addressed through the global Red Cross and Red Crescent Network.

At Malta Red Cross, we remain committed to supporting urgent humanitarian family-link cases and working closely with international partners when assistance is required. This commitment continues despite the significant reduction in RFL activities currently undertaken by the Society.

Before Submitting a Request

Requests are handled where the closest relatives are currently residing.

Search requests are generally handled in the country where the closest relatives of the missing person are currently residing, not necessarily in the country where the missing person was last seen.

If you are not residing in Malta, please contact the Red Cross or Red Crescent National Society in your country of residence.

Only individuals residing in Malta should contact Malta Red Cross regarding Restoring Family Links requests.

Find Your Nearest Red Cross or Red Crescent Society

What is Restoring Family Links?

A humanitarian service across the global Movement.

Restoring Family Links (RFL) is a humanitarian service provided throughout the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

The service aims to:

Prevent family separation during emergencies
Restore communication between separated family members
Facilitate the exchange of family news
Support families affected by humanitarian emergencies
Coordinate with National Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and other humanitarian organisations when required

RFL services are delivered in accordance with the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and with strict respect for confidentiality, dignity, and data protection.

For more information about Restoring Family Links services worldwide, including guidance, frequently asked questions, tracing services, and support available across the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, please visit the official Restoring Family Links website.

Learn More About Restoring Family Links

Malta Red Cross Current RFL Activities

Focus on urgent humanitarian family-link cases.

Due to capacity constraints and changing operational priorities, Malta Red Cross has substantially reduced its Restoring Family Links activities.

The Society currently focuses on urgent humanitarian family-link cases and exceptional situations requiring immediate humanitarian intervention.

Malta Red Cross does not currently operate a full tracing service and may not be in a position to process routine or non-urgent requests.

Current support may include:

Secondary separations linked to humanitarian evacuations or medevac operations
Exceptional referrals received through the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
Humanitarian emergencies requiring urgent international coordination

Where necessary, Malta Red Cross may work with international Red Cross and Red Crescent partners and other humanitarian actors to ensure that vulnerable individuals receive appropriate support through available humanitarian channels.

Malta Red Cross team standing together outside the organisation’s station

Working with the International Red Cross Network

Part of a global humanitarian network.

Malta Red Cross remains part of the global Restoring Family Links Network coordinated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Through this network, National Societies collaborate worldwide to support humanitarian cases, facilitate cross-border cooperation, and assist individuals separated from their families during crises and emergencies.

Although local RFL activities are currently limited, Malta Red Cross continues to maintain links with Movement partners and remains committed to responding to urgent humanitarian needs whenever they arise.

Contact the Restoring Family Links Service

Urgent Humanitarian RFL Requests

For urgent Restoring Family Links requests requiring immediate humanitarian attention:

[email protected]

Please provide as much information as possible regarding the situation so that initial assessment and, where appropriate, referral or coordination can take place as quickly as possible.

Contact the RFL Team

Restoring Family Links cases frequently involve sensitive personal information.

Malta Red Cross processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection legislation and humanitarian information-sharing standards. Information is only shared where necessary, lawful, and proportionate to the humanitarian purpose of the request.

Where international cooperation is required, information may be exchanged securely with authorised Red Cross and Red Crescent partners solely for the purpose of assisting the affected individual or family.

Humanitarian Support When It Matters Most

Ready to respond within our available capacity.

Even with reduced operational capacity, Malta Red Cross remains committed to the humanitarian principles that underpin the Restoring Family Links service.

When urgent situations arise, we continue to work with trusted partners across the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to help ensure that vulnerable individuals and families are not left without support when they need it most.

When humanitarian family connections are at risk, Malta Red Cross remains ready to respond within its available capacity and through the strength of the global Red Cross and Red Crescent Network.