Actor Jimmy Nesbitt reveals how the recent loss of his father brought home trauma for families as ‘International Day of the Disappeared’ was held

James Nesbitt was speaking as a ceremony to mark he International Day of the Disappeared was held at the WAVE Trauma Centre on Sunday 30 August.

Held on August 30 of each year, it is a day created to draw attention to the fate of individuals around the world who have been killed and secretly buried or who are imprisoned often in dreadful conditions at places unknown to their relatives and or legal representatives.

James Nesbitt said: “The death of a deeply loved family member is always hard to take whatever the circumstances.

“But to know that your loved met a violent end and not to know where they were buried for years and years brings almost unimaginable pain and anguish.

“That is what the Families of the Disappeared have had to endure.

“For the families of Joe Lynskey, Columba McVeigh, Robert Nairac and Lisa Dorrian that agony continues and will not begin to ease until they are brought home.

“Someone somewhere must have information that could lead to their remains being found.

“In the name of humanity they should give that information up”.

Fellow WAVE patron, artist Colin Davidson said: “Walter Simons was among the 18 victims and survivors of the Troubles whose portraits I painted for Silent Testimony.

“Walter’s son Eugene was 26 when he was abducted, murdered and secretly buried in 1981.

“His remains were recovered three years later.

“Walter’s quiet dignity was hugely impressive and it was clear that even though Eugene’s remains had been returned and there was a grave to visit that feeling of profound loss had never left him.

“How much more acute it must be for those still waiting for the day they can lay their loved ones to rest?”

Geoff Knupfer the lead investigator with the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains (ICLVR) said: “We are down to three cases now from 16 and while Lisa Dorrian’s disappearance is outside the ICLVR’s remit we hope that progress can be made there too.

“Anyone with information can be absolutely assured that it will be treated in the strictest confidence.

“We can only help these families if people with information come forward”.

At the ceremony four white doves were released to represent the disappearance of Joe Lynsey, Columba McVeigh, Robert Nairac and Lisa Dorrian.

The fifth dove was released for those both home and abroad who believe their loved ones are dead and are secretly buried.

Michael McConville, (Jean McConville’s son) released the doves alongside Maria Lynsey, (Joe Lynskey’s niece), Oliver McVeigh, (Columba McVeigh’s brother) and John Dorrian (Lisa Dorrian’s father).

They were supported by a small group of the other families of those disappeared.

Anyone with information relating to the whereabouts of the remains of Joe Lynskey, Columba McVeigh or Robert Nairac should contact CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 and the untraceable anonymous online form is at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

The ICLVR can be contacted by telephone: 00800-55585500 International: +353 1 602 8655

E-mail information to: [email protected]

By post to: ICLVR PO Box 10827

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