The role of genetic fingerprinting in enhancing humanitarian action in post-conflict countries

Abstract

Abstract: Humanity has suffered from conflicts and wars since the dawn of history, leaving behind severe human rights violations, including casualties, missing persons, and mass graves. Missing persons are a major concern for humanitarian work, as their families suffer from the uncertainty surrounding their fate. Here, the importance of genetic fingerprinting emerges as an effective tool in uncovering the fate of the missing, contributing to identifying their identities and reuniting families separated by conflicts. This study addresses various applications of genetic fingerprinting in managing humanitarian crises post-armed conflicts, from theoretical foundations and definitions to diverse uses and practical challenges. The study also reviews the role of international organizations in supporting the development of sustainable local forensic capabilities.