About Us
International League POW/MIA Families of the War in Ukraine (ILPMF)
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Our Origin
The International League POW/MIA Families of the War in Ukraine (ILPMF) was created from a tragedy that no parent should ever have to endure.
Our organization was founded in memory of Patrick Mazerolle, a Canadian volunteer who fell in action in Ukraine on September 1, 2025. Like thousands of other families around the world, his loved ones were suddenly confronted with the unbearable uncertainty, complexity and silence that follow the disappearance or death of a loved one in war.
From this pain was born a simple but powerful conviction:
No family should ever face this ordeal alone.
ILPMF was created to transform personal tragedy into a collective force for dignity, truth, and solidarity.
Why We Exist
Since 2022, tens of thousands of families across the world have been living in a state of unbearable uncertainty. No body. No grave. No clear answer. Sometimes not even an official confirmation of death.
Behind every missing person, every prisoner of war, every fallen fighter, there is a family waiting. Waiting for news. Waiting for truth. Waiting for the right to grieve.
We exist to help these families navigate one of the most complex and painful processes imaginable:
Searching for a missing loved one
Families are often left alone with fragmented information, rumors, and silence. We help them understand where and how to search, and guide them toward reliable and official channels.
institutional and humanitarian procedures
The system is complex, slow, and overwhelming, especially in times of shock and grief. We help families understand who does what, what is possible, and what steps must be taken.
Going through identification processes such as DNA
DNA procedures are emotionally difficult and administratively complicated. We explain the process, guide families through it, and help them navigate the medical and legal requirements.
And, when possible, bringing their loved one home
When identification and procedures allow it, we support families through the long and painful process of repatriation, so they can finally bury their loved one with dignity and begin to mourn.
Our Mission
Our mission is to help families of prisoners of war, missing persons and fallen fighters in the war in Ukraine find answers, support and dignity.
We aim to become a human and digital bridge between families scattered around the world and the extremely complex realities on the ground:
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Location searches
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Exchange of sensitive information
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DNA identification procedures
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Administrative and humanitarian coordination
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Repatriation processes
We do not replace institutions. We help families understand, access and navigate them.
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Our Concrete Objectives
Locate → Negotiate → Obtain DNA → Identify → Repatriate
Our goals are threefold:
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Help locate as many missing persons as possible
Through networking of testimonies, contacts on the ground and accessible databases. -
Facilitate identification and repatriation
By accompanying families through the most complex procedures: DNA collection and transmission, monitoring of exchanges, cross-border coordination, and understanding Ukrainian and international medico-legal processes. We also help families push the appropriate authorities in their own countries to take action. -
Restore humanity and dignity to families
By offering a place of listening without judgment, reliable contacts, translated resources, and concrete administrative support — regardless of where they live in the world.
Our Values and Commitments
We solemnly commit to the families we support:
Neutrality and Independence
We take no political or military side. Only the suffering of families and the right to the truth matter.
Absolute Confidentiality
All personal information, photos, testimonies and DNA-related data are protected and never transmitted without consent.
Transparency
We clearly explain what we can do, what we cannot do, and the real limits and timelines of our action.
Total Free Support
No fees are ever requested from families for advice, guidance, translations or help with their cases.
Respect for Dignity
We reject sensationalism, false promises and any form of exploitation of suffering.
Perseverance
Even when procedures take months or years, even when news stops, we remain by the families’ side for as long as they want us there.
Your Donations Make a HUGE Impact
A Letter from the Board
A Long-Term Commitment
“Because no body should remain anonymous. Because no family should live without answers.”
We do not promise the impossible.
But we promise never to give up.
As long as a single family in the world continues to ask:
“Where is he?” or “Where is she?”
we will continue to act.
Every step counts.
Every family counts.
Marc Mazerolle & Annie Chiasson
Stories & Testimonials
Behind every missing person, prisoner of war, or fallen fighter, there is a family living with uncertainty, waiting for news, and holding on to hope. These testimonies come from families and humanitarian organizations who have lived through the long wait, the silence, and sometimes the relief of finally receiving answers.
Family of a Former Prisoner of War
I am so happy to hear that my son is alive. I had no news for two months.
I am so happy to hear that my son is alive. I had no news for two months.
Wife of a Missing Soldier
“The next time you see my husband, tell him that our baby was born yesterday.”
“The next time you see my husband, tell him that our baby was born yesterday.”
Families Supported by Humanitarian Organizations
“Thank you for being here and for everything you’ve done for us.”
“Thank you for being here and for everything you’ve done for us.”
Anastasia – Wife of a Missing Soldier
Supported by the Ukrainian Red Cross
“When I contacted the Ukrainian Red Cross, they guided me to the right numbers, provided assistance and psychological support. Thanks to them, we were able to get a change of scenery and give my son a moment of respite.”
Families Assisted by the Ukrainian Red Cross
Supported by the Ukrainian Red Cross
“Without their support, we would be alone in the face of this ordeal.”
Families Using the ICRC Tracing Services
Supported by the Ukrainian Red Cross
“The financial and psychosocial support from the tracing service has made a real difference for us during this very difficult time.”