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Actor James Nesbitt has said his father’s recent death brought home the “deep and lasting pain and anguish” felt by the families of the missing.
A longtime patron of the Wave Trauma Center and a supporter of the families of the missing, he spoke at a ceremony to mark International Day of the Missing.
The day is celebrated to draw attention to people who have been secretly murdered and buried, or who are imprisoned in places unknown to their relatives.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Nesbitt said the death of a loved one is “difficult to bear, whatever the circumstances.”
“But knowing that your loved one had a violent end and not knowing where he was buried for years and years brings almost unimaginable pain and anguish.”
“That is what the families of the Disappeared have had to endure.”
Of the 16 missing, the remains of 13 have been found, while three remain missing.
The families of Co Tyrone teenager Columba McVeigh, former monk Joe Lynskey and Captain Robert Nairac are hopeful their bodies can be found.
Others include Lisa Dorrian, who disappeared 15 years ago.
Nesbitt added: “Someone somewhere must have information that could lead to their remains being found.”
“In the name of humanity they should give that information.”
Wave artist and sponsor Colin Davidson said: “Walter Simons was among the 18 victims and survivors of the riots whose portraits I painted for Silent Testimony.
“Walter’s son Eugene was 26 when he was kidnapped, murdered and secretly buried in 1981.
“His remains were recovered three years later.
“Walter’s quiet dignity was enormously impressive and it was clear that although Eugene’s remains had been returned and there was a grave to visit, that feeling of deep loss had never left him.
“How much more serious must it be for those who are still waiting for the day when they can put their loved ones to rest?”
Geoff Knupfer, the lead investigator for the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains (ICLVR), said: “We now have three cases out of 16 and while Lisa Dorrian’s disappearance is beyond the scope of the ICLVR, we hope it will be can move forward there too.
“Anyone with information can be absolutely sure that it will be treated in the strictest confidence.
“We can only help these families if people with information come forward.”
At the ceremony in Belfast, four white doves were released to represent the disappearance of Joe, Columba, Robert and Lisa.
The fifth dove was released for those who believe that their loved ones are dead and secretly buried.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the remains of Joe Lynskey, Columba McVeigh or Robert Nairac should contact CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 and the anonymous non-traceable online form is at crimetoppers-uk.org
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