In situations of natural disaster or conflict, Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers are often faced with individuals going through a devastating experience, such as not hearing from a loved one for several weeks, or even months or years.
This form of loss, called ambiguous loss according to Dr. Pauline Boss, unlike that caused by a clear and definite death, is characterized by the absence of certainty as to the fate of a loved one. This could affect people affected by natural disasters, armed conflict, migration, or displacement.
