The Use of Humanitarian Forensics in Mass Grave Exhumations

dc.abstract.en	This thesis focuses on how the use of humanitarian forensics aids in the identification of individuals within mass graves after violence or tragedy. Thus, it is concerned with how forensics, law, and culture collaborate on the technicalities of handling cases involving the exhumation of mass graves, the timely application of ethically-sound legal procedures, and the proper management of emotion’s related to the gruesome procedures. Therefore, having discussed historical milestones in the development of the study area, new approaches, and examples, the thesis demonstrates ways in which forensic work enhances justice, individual responsibility, and community recovery. First, the thesis outlines what humanitarian forensics is and provides brief context with a focus on the following case examples: the Argentine Forensic Anthropology Team during the dictatorship in Argentina and the International Commission on Missing Persons in Bosnia Herzegovina . Moreover, the application of new technologies for instance ‘DNA, anthropology and dental analysis’ has greatly boosted the identification of victims of genocide or disasters making forensic science the solution for post war reconstruction. As much of this work examines various forensic methods, like mitochondrial DNA typing, Y-STR profiling, and INTERPOL’s protocols known as “Disaster Victim Identification” . Therefore these methods are crucial in identifying remains which could be so degraded or in incidences where there were number of destructions. The thesis also acknowledges that several strategies need to be adopted to avoid making mistakes, so that can see victims unclaimed or returned to the families inappropriately. The thesis also discusses the psychological and sociological aspects of massgrave exhumations. Thesis continues about what it is like for families when they don’t know any news about what became of their family and how that makes the grieving process even serious. The investigations shown how necessary it is for forensic teams to understand local cultural practices, involve relatives, and assist with funerals, and remembrance activities. For this reason, such example in Haiti and Ukraine illustrate how forensic teams perform its work with considering cultural aspects. The war in Ukraine is also an outstanding example, and it also indicates that humanitarian forensics is critical in war crimes investigation and documenting the losses as well as aiding justice . The structure of the thesis includes the consideration of the way the international law such as Geneva Conventions and United Nations Resolutions are related to forensic in the case of human rights. It also draws public and governments’ attention to the need to engage the countries and international organizations like the International Committee of the Red Cross to increase efforts on the improvement of forensic capability in conflict areas. At the same time throughout the entire thesis, ethical side of identification , humanitarian forensics is also discussed, emphasizing how important it is for the forensic expert to respect the dignity of the deceased and rights of the survivors. Getting the local communities involved in the process is not only good also is crucial. It establishes confidence, and makes the process open and comfortable for families and community to cope with their loss. Therefore, relying on the previous discussion, the thesis reiterates the importance of humanitarian forensics in reconstruction after conflicts and disasters. It is also about being kind, embracing cultural difference and ensuring that people have their stories told. Forensic work is not just about people identification but is as important in justice, reconciliation and healing society. This thesis clearly establishes that forensic science is a tool to alleviate suffering, help families to grieve and give back dignity to people and assist communities in healing after devastating incidents
dc.affiliation	Uniwersytet Warszawski
dc.affiliation.department	Wydział Prawa i Administracji
dc.contributor.author	Huseynova, Roya
dc.contributor.promoter	Girdwoyń, Piotr
dc.contributor.reviewer	Tomaszewski, Tadeusz
dc.contributor.reviewer	Girdwoyń, Piotr
dc.date.defence	2025-09-30
dc.date.issued	2025
dc.date.submitted	2025-06-13
dc.identifier.apd	233659
dc.language	en
dc.language.other	pl
dc.publisher	Uniwersytet Warszawski
dc.rights	ClosedAccess
dc.subject.en	Humanitarian Forensics
dc.subject.en	Mass Grave Exhumations
dc.subject.en	DNA profiling
dc.subject.en	human identification
dc.subject.en	missing persons
dc.subject.en	clarification of fate
dc.subject.en	cause of death
dc.subject.en	war
dc.subject.en	disaster
dc.subject.en	Ukraine
dc.subject.en	Haiti earthquake
dc.subject.pl	Medycyna sądowa w działaniach humanitarnych
dc.subject.pl	Profilowanie DNA
dc.subject.pl	Identyfikacja osób
dc.subject.pl	Ekshumacje grobów masowych
dc.subject.pl	Ustalenie losu
dc.title	The Use of Humanitarian Forensics in Mass Grave Exhumations
dc.title.alternative	Zastosowanie medycyny sądowej w działaniach humanitarnych podczas ekshumacji grobów masowych
dc.type	MasterThesis