Red Cross forum launches to manage human remains in conflict
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is meeting with security agencies and ministries to explore forensic services and ability to manage human remains during armed conflict, violence and natural disasters. The forum, with ministries of interior, health and justice, alongside the armed forces and police, is expected to map the current strength of […]
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The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is meeting with security agencies and ministries to explore forensic services and ability to manage human remains during armed conflict, violence and natural disasters.
The forum, with ministries of interior, health and justice, alongside the armed forces and police, is expected to map the current strength of forensic medicine and examine management of human remains in Nigeria.
“The effective search, recovery and identification of human remains is one of the most difficult aspects of humanitarian response in disasters and armed conflict. It follows different prescribed, but also cultural and societal practices, and is often subject to emotions” says Karl Anton Matli, ICRC Head of Delegation in Nigeria.
“The search for the missing can cause mental distress and legal problems for relatives of the victims. This is why it is so important to get the process right”.
It will also produce clear lines and responsibilities for stakeholders in mass fatality incidents and armed violence.
Nigeria is moving to establish a centralised database of missing persons to assist families searching for relatives, said Maryam Uwais, who chairs a national technical committee for missing persons.
“This initiative complements the work of the forensics in an effort to ensure that the missing and dead are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve,” said Uwais at the meeting.
Federal Road Safety Commission, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria armed forces and the National Emergency Management Authority are also participating in the forum.