Malkhaz Zedginidze : “Georgia ICRC: Helping Families Cope with Loss”

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Malkhaz Zedginidze, the eldest among four siblings, went missing during a military operation near Guma village in Abkhazia on 7 July 1993. Malkhaz had joined the 222nd battalion of the 22nd Motorized Rifle Brigade on 21 December 1992 and left for Abkhazia on 4 July 1993, never to return.

The Zedginidze family was devastated when returning soldiers informed them that Malkhaz had disappeared during the operation. Despite extensive searches, no trace of Malkhaz was found, leaving his mother, Eteri, clinging to the hope that her son was still alive. Eteri would visit the Akhaltsikhe military base daily in search of any news about Malkhaz.

Years passed, and the family’s hope began to wane as they came to terms with the possibility that Malkhaz might not be alive. However, in 2013, a glimmer of hope emerged when Ramaz, Malkhaz’s brother, learned about the ICRC’s efforts to locate missing individuals resulting from armed conflicts.

The ICRC’s Involvement in the Search for Malkhaz

Ramaz reached out to the ICRC for assistance in locating Malkhaz. Eteri also actively participated in the ICRC’s accompaniment programme for families of missing individuals. The programme provided psychological support, commemorative events, and forensic information sessions to help families cope with the uncertainty of their loved ones’ whereabouts.

After a long and arduous search, Malkhaz’s remains were finally identified in November 2023. Ramaz, hesitant to break the news to his parents, sought the guidance of Tamta Kupatadze, an ICRC field officer.

Breaking the News to the Zedginidze Family

Tamta visited the Zedginidze family on 17 November 2023 to deliver the bittersweet news. Eteri, who had held onto the hope of Malkhaz’s return, finally accepted the reality of the situation. She expressed her desire to see her son’s remains to find closure.

Despite the heartbreaking revelation, Eteri’s resilience, nurtured through the ICRC’s accompaniment programme, helped her face the truth. Ramaz was grateful for the ICRC’s support in sharing the news with his family, sparing them from further emotional turmoil.

The Impact of the Accompaniment Programme

The Zedginidze family’s experience reflects the positive impact of the ICRC’s accompaniment programme. Many families of missing individuals have found solace and support through the programme’s multidisciplinary approach, including psychological assistance, legal awareness, and social events.

Feedback from participants underscores the programme’s significance in helping families navigate their grief and find a sense of acceptance. Through community engagement and shared experiences, families have been able to address their pain and build resilience.

Conclusion

The Zedginidze family’s journey, marked by loss and eventual closure, highlights the importance of support systems for families of missing individuals. The ICRC’s accompaniment programme in Georgia continues to provide vital assistance to those grappling with the uncertainty of their loved ones’ fates.