NGOs and associations of relatives of disappeared people can assist the relatives by making inquiries at places where the disappeared might be help and accompanying them to the relevant authorities.

NOGs can undertake a number of other significant actions to assist relatives of disappeared people in the processes of searching and tracind their loved ones:

• keep a file of each case,
• conduce fact-finding missions and collect evidence,
• Provide psychological and material assistance to the relatives,
• alert the media and the general public,
• arrange for expert assistance where forensic investigation is needed, and
  
• accompany processes of exhumation and identification of dead bodies
  

In general, families and those assisting them should put as much pressure as possible on the perpetrators of the disappearance. This can be done by raising public awareness and using the media (radio, TV, press) to publicize the case. Families can also contact diplomatic representatives of the State, especially if the person who disappeared was not a citizen of the country where they disappeared.

If unidentified bodies are found, relatives of the disappeared person must ensure that forensic experts examine them as soon as possible.  Forensic experts should also be called to examine clandestine or mass graves. In cases where independent or competent forensic experts are not available families and organisations should do their best to prevent any disturbance of the site.