ICRC and Playing For Change Unite 40 Musicians Across 13 Countries to Amplify Voices of Families Seeking Answers

New York, N.Y. – In a powerful fusion of music and humanitarian advocacy, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Playing For Change have released a stirring rendition of U2’s iconic song “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” to honor the International Day of the Disappeared (August 30).

The project, featuring over forty musicians from over a dozen countries, aims to amplify the voices of families enduring the agonizing search for loved ones lost to armed conflicts, violence, natural disasters, and migration routes.

Global Collaboration for a Cause

The Song Around The World initiative, a hallmark of Playing For Change’s mission to unite global artists, has partnered with the ICRC to spotlight the plight of missing persons and their families.

Over 100,000 people are currently registered as missing worldwide due to crises, with some families awaiting answers for decades.

“This song is a testament to resilience,” said an ICRC spokesperson. “We want families to know they are not alone.”

Artists like Aghyad Al Shawaf, who penned Arabic lyrics, and Glen David Andrews Band, contributing a drum ensemble, blend diverse cultural sounds to reflect the universality of loss and hope.

The video, filmed across multiple continents, underscores the ICRC’s decades-long work in tracing missing persons and supporting families.

The Universal Language of Solidarity

“Music transcends borders,” remarked Playing For Change co-founder Mark Johnson. The collaboration features haunting strings by Andrea García, soulful vocals by Chris Pierce, and the ethereal kora of Prince Diabaté, creating a mosaic of shared humanity. Syrian vocalist Hala Al-Sadder shared, “Every note carries the weight of unanswered questions—but also the light of collective strength.”

The track’s reimagined lyrics, including Arabic verses, emphasize inclusivity. “We wanted families from all backgrounds to see themselves in this message,” explained Aghyad Al Shawaf.

The Ongoing Search for Answers

Every day, dozens vanish due to crises, leaving families in limbo. The ICRC reports cases where individuals have been missing for over 20 years, with relatives clinging to fragments of hope. “The uncertainty is a living nightmare,” said María López, whose brother disappeared during migration. “Initiatives like this remind us the world hasn’t forgotten.”

The ICRC’s Missing Persons Project provides forensic support, legal aid, and psychological care, yet challenges persist in conflict zones and remote areas. “Families deserve answers,” stressed the ICRC’s director of operations. “Our work doesn’t stop until we deliver them.”

How to Support the Movement

Viewers are urged to watch the video on ICRC’s website (www.icrc.org/missing2022) and share it using  #TheSearchDoesntStop  and  #InternationalDayOfTheDisappeared. Donations to the ICRC’s tracing efforts or participation in Playing For Change’s membership program can amplify impact.

“This isn’t just a song—it’s a call to action,” said U2’s Bono. “When we stand together, we become a force for healing.”

#TheSearchDoesntStop, #MusicForChange, #ICRC,
#InternationalDayOfTheDisappeared

Tags: International Committee of the Red Cross, Playing For Change,
Missing Persons, Humanitarian Aid, Global Music Collaboration

Social Media Blurbs

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LinkedIn: The International Committee of the Red Cross and Playing For Change have launched a global music initiative featuring 40 artists from 13 countries. Their rendition of U2’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” underscores solidarity with families of missing persons, aligning with the International Day of the Disappeared (August 30). Explore how cross-sector collaborations drive societal impact: www.icrc.org/missing2022 #HumanitarianAid #MusicForChange #TheSearchDoesntStop

Truth Social: ICRC and Playing For Change release global U2 tribute for missing persons’ families. #TheSearchDoesntStop. Full story: www.icrc.org/missing2022

Mastodon: This International Day of the Disappeared, 40 musicians across 13 countries reimagine U2’s anthem to support families searching for answers. Discover how music fuels solidarity—and why #TheSearchDoesntStop. Watch now: www.icrc.org/missing2022

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Facebook: The International Committee of the Red Cross and Playing For Change have teamed up for a moving musical tribute to families of missing persons. Featuring 40 artists worldwide, their rendition of U2’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” delivers a message of hope and solidarity. Watch and share: www.icrc.org/missing2022 #TheSearchDoesntStop #InternationalDayOfTheDisappeared

Reddit: How can music amplify humanitarian causes? The ICRC and Playing For Change’s new U2 cover supports families of missing persons. Join the discussion. #TheSearchDoesntStop www.icrc.org/missing2022