Debris Management in Gaza - Human Remains in Debris | Standard Operating Procedure Version 1.4, January 2025

1. Human Remains

The level of destruction in the Gaza Strip is unprecedented leading to huge efforts required for debris management. During the debris removal and handling, human remains will be uncovered where it is expected that more than 10,000 bodies are still unaccounted for. It is essential that human remains are recovered in a respectful and dignified manner, while ensuring that cultural and religious customs are observed.

It is a requirement that all Debris Implementors’ and Contractors’ personnel have received training and advice on locating human remains and managing situations where actual or suspected human remains are found during debris removal and demolition work.

This Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) has been developed for the debris contractors in the event that any potential or suspected human remains are found during the debris removal and emergency demolition works. These SOPs also draw from the ICRC “Guidelines for construction teams in the event of Unexploded Ordinance or Human Remains discovery”.

2. Management of Human Remains

Should a body or suspected human remains be found, following steps have been developed:

1. Immediately stop all debris removal and demolition operations in the area where the remains have been found, and clear that area of personnel and bystanders. Notify the Site Supervisor/Engineer/Manager;

2. Do not handle or move the suspected human remains;

3. Safeguard and protect the immediate area of interest to prevent accidental tampering

   and/or access to people and/or animals. Cordon off the area using barriers (tape, cones, flags, fencing) that are sufficiently robust to withstand weather conditions and ensure the area fenced is larger than the limits of the suspected remains. If remains or evidence are scattered over a larger area, then the cordoned perimeter should be expanded accordingly depending on the context;

4. It is important to include within the cordon area associated evidence such as clothing, personal items or tools that may provide clues for identifying the remains;

5. If remains are suspected to be fragmented by heavy machinery, the cordoned off area should include the initial site of remains and any material already removed (e.g. in additional piles or dump truck);

6. Record the location of the human remains with GPS if available or by description of the location if GPS is not available. Provide a simple sketch of a site map with the location of the body clearly indicated;

7. Document the nature of the site including the extent of the suspected remains and include detail on significant features such as exposed human remains. if in line with the organisation’s policies, photos may be taken for reporting purposes;

8. If the human remains are possibly those of a combatant, the site supervisor should be mindful of the potential presence of explosive ordnance (EO) on the person or in the area. If EO is identified or reasonably suspected, EOD assistance should be requested and potentially the cordon reinforced in order to keep individuals away.

9. Call “102” for the Civil Defence and keep a record of who has been notified and which date. Alternative number to call is 0595593102 and WhatsApp: +970594497973;

10. Maintain control of the site and await the arrival of the relevant authorities;

11. If the remains are confined to a specific, easily identifiable spot, debris works can continue (if possible) taking into account a 5-10m exclusion zone around the suspected human remains cordon;

12. Adjustments to the cordoned area will depend on the progress of human remains recovery. If remains or evidence are discovered beyond the initial area, then the perimeters should be extended. Where recovery efforts reveal that the initial cordoned area is larger than required, the cordon can be scaled down with proper authorization;

13. If there is no space to continue debris works AND the authority representative advises that the removal of the human remains will take more than 4 hours, the Debris Contractor is to move onto the next debris removal or demolition site;

14. If there is space to continue debris works AND the human remains can be readily removed then, the Debris Contractor can continue debris work taking into account the 5m exclusion zone;

15. Only remove the cordon once all remains and evidence have been fully recovered and the site is declared cleared by authorities;

16. Communicate sensitively with families of missing persons and the local community to address concerns and prevent misinformation using consistent, clear messaging. Where necessary, a communication officer or team may be designated to oversee communication efforts on-site;

17. Provisions should be made to provide psychological and emotional support to workers encountering human remains; and,

18. Report quickly all occurrences of human remains to the debris Implementing Agency AND complete the form in Annex A, submitting to the Gaza Debris Working Group on gaza.dwg@un.org.