Forensic Archaeology and the International Commission on Missing Persons: Setting Standards in an Integrated Process

Pages: 415-425

DOI: 10.1002/9781118745977.ch48

Abstract:

The International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) was established at the initiative of US President Clinton in 1996 at the G-7 Summit in Lyon, France. Its primary role is to ensure the cooperation of governments in locating and identifying those who have disappeared during armed conflict or as a result of human rights violations. The ICMP supports governments in the provision of evidence for prosecutions, in developing legislation relevant to missing persons' issues, and supporting family associations in the pursuit of their rights. The effective use of archaeological approaches for search and investigation of crime scenes and recovery of the missing has been a driving force in the success of programmes. The forensic archaeologists and others in the division employ a simple-to-complex data documentation and organisation system that is straightforward to teach, and allows collection of data in difficult and demanding circumstances.

Source: Scopus