Learning Overview:

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In this workshop, participants will explore the role of forensic science in humanitarian operations, particularly related to mas graves from armed conflicts. We will guide attendees through real-world cases handled by humanitarian forensic missions, focusing on multidisciplinary approaches. Special emphasis will be placed on the ethical, cultural, and legal complexities that define humanitarian forensic work in the Balkan region and beyond.

Participants will gain practical knowledge about how international standards and guidelinesare applied in practice. The workshop will also examine coordination with families of the missing, community engagement, and balancing the need for identification with the rights of the dead and dignity of survivors.

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Upon completion of this workshop, participants will:

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1. Understand the foundational principles of humanitarian forensics and their distinction from criminal forensic investigations.

2. Recognize international protocols and ethical considerations guiding the search and identification of missing persons.

3. Gain insight into the practical realities of field operations in conflict zones, disaster settings, and along migratory routes.

4. Critically evaluate the role of interdisciplinary cooperation and culturally sensitive approaches.

5. Develop tools for incorporating humanitarian forensic standards into their own forensic or legal practices.

Impact Statement:

Humanitarian forensics addresses one of the most sensitive aspects of forensic science—helping families find closure after the loss of loved ones. This workshop offers a comprehensive understanding of how forensic professionals contribute to justice, memory, and reconciliation in post-conflict and disaster settings. By promoting the application of international standards, ethical practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration, the workshop equips practitioners with the tools necessary to carry out identification processes that are not only scientifically sound but also culturally and legally appropriate. The session aims to strengthen regional capacities and foster a shared humanitarian mission across borders.

 

Program Description:

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This interactive workshop will cover the following key topics through presentations, case studies, and group exercises:

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• Standards and Guidelines in Humanitarian Forensics

• Field Recovery, Documentation, and Sample Handling

• DNA and Non-DNA Identification Strategies

• Legal Frameworks and the Right to Know

• Cultural and Religious Considerations in Repatriation and Burial

• Interagency Coordination (Forensic, Legal, NGO, and Governmental Bodies)

• Communication with Families and Psychosocial Support

• Lessons from the Balkans: Regional Case Reviews and Gaps

• Capacity Building in Post-Conflict Environments​

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This workshop is intended for forensic scientists, anthropologists, medical examiners, humanitarian workers, legal professionals, and policy makers engaged in human identification efforts.

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Join us for this essential workshop on humanitarian forensics—where science meets empathy in the pursuit of truth and closure.