Looking for Americans Lost in Foreign Countries

Families of Americans who disappear in foreign countries should not have to invent the wheel. Unfortunately, this is what too often happens: people in deep distress have to learn how to run an international search and rescue operation, raise funds, cultivate relationships with nongovernmental organizations, and work with the media -- all within hours of learning their loved one is missing. The absence of clear standard operating procedures within and among U.S. embassies and a lack of State Department support leads to an unconscionable waste of time when time is of the essence.



The Missing Americans Project is intended to:



* Build awareness of the problems of Americans missing in foreign countries;

* Increase the accountability and transparency of U.S. State Department processes where missing Americans are concerned.

* Lobby for legal and policy changes where necessary.

* Develop a global rapid-response network that is not subject to the same bureaucratic wrangling as the U.S. State Department is.

* Advocate for the interests of the families of missing Americans.

