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fnsnov2018
National Workshop on Family News Service
A national workshop on the Family News Service (FNS) or Restoring Family Links (RFL) was held for the Indian Red Cross Society state branch focal persons to take stock of the ongoing work and discuss ideas for strengthening impact through visibility and partnerships with identified stakeholders.
The four-day workshop, hosted from 19th to 22nd November was conducted by IRCS NHQ and ICRC resource persons. It had an engaging agenda that involved refreshing participants with the key components of FNS, mapping the emerging needs and challenges, particularly in the context of disasters, emergencies, conflicts and migration, and highlighting the need for better communication and promotion of RFL/FNS, including resource mobilization.
A strategic focus
The IRCS Strategy 2030 puts emphasis on FNS as a major component of IRCS emergency response. When crisis events separate families, the consequences are deeply traumatizing. Restoring family links through tracing people who are unaccounted-for, exchanging family news using all means of communication, including internet, and clarifying the fate and whereabouts of those who remain missing are major aspects of this service. Vulnerable groups, such as unaccompanied minors, detainees, and migrants get specific attention. Such work can be sensitive, but it is an essential part of the Red Cross Movement’s global humanitarian mandate as a neutral and impartial actor.
An important humanitarian service
The essence of RFL is to alleviate the suffering of people who have no news of their families. One of the many hardships imposed by armed conflicts and other situations of violence, natural and man-made disasters, and migration is the separation of families. Not knowing about the fate, welfare and whereabouts of a loved one is one of the most terrible form of mental and psychological suffering one can endure. Conversely, it brings incommensurable relief when separated family members are reunited or receiving re-assuring news about each other.
Strengthening Family Links in Times of Crisis
The voices from across the States echoed a powerful truth —
Restoring Family Links (RFL) and
Family News Services (FNS) must stand at the
core of disaster and humanitarian response.
With its vast reach — from remote villages to major cities — and a
global connection through the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement,
IRCS is uniquely positioned to lead this charge.
Mapping Needs & Building Action Plans
There was a strong call to action for a better understanding and state-level mapping of vulnerabilities and RFL needs. This includes conducting field assessments and building concrete action plans to integrate these insights into response strategies.
Hands-On Participation & Shared Learning
The sessions were highly interactive, filled with group activities that kept
participants deeply engaged. During the session on FNS during disasters,
there was a vibrant exchange of ideas, tools, and experiences.
Every state branch representative shared their unique disaster response mechanisms,
offering valuable insights into local practices and guiding principles for
RFL response in emergencies.
Sharing from Experience
The workshop brought to light inspiring real-world examples and best practices from both Indian state branches and global Red Cross entities.
Key case studies included:
- Support for detention centers for migrants in West Bengal
- Handling migration-related scenarios with real-time tools and protocols
- Live demonstrations of filing systems, caseload management, and IRCS/ICRC online resources
Thematic Sessions & Core Values
Discussions focused on:
- Unaccompanied and separated children
- Code of conduct
- Data protection and responsible communication
- Promotion and positioning of FNS/RFL services
Strengthening Communication
Participants emphasized the critical need for a national communication strategy, tailored to state-specific contexts.
Such a strategy would amplify visibility, boost credibility, and position IRCS as a trusted humanitarian authority.
The final day concluded with a heartfelt session at the IRCS National Headquarters.
Words of encouragement and congratulations were shared by:
Dr. Veer Bhushan – Joint Secretary, IRCS
Jeremy England – Head, ICRC Regional Delegation
Leon Prop – Head, IFRC Country Cluster
Each reaffirmed the Red Cross Movement’s unwavering commitment to Restoring Family Links and humanitarian engagement.
Total Visitors: 1712582
Total Visitors: 1712583