Kyiv, 18 October 2023 – The International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) today signed agreements with the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Health of Ukraine as part of its program to help the authorities harmonize their efforts to account for tens of thousands of people who are missing as a result of the Russian invasion and ongoing war.
The Memorandum on Cooperation signed with the Ministry of Justice will support efforts to enhance investigations into missing persons cases, including a DNA-led identification process and other techniques used to locate missing persons in cooperation with the relevant domestic institutions. This agreement will contribute to:
the effectiveness of investigations into missing persons cases caused by crimes against humanity, primarily against the civilian population of Ukraine; fast and effective international support in forensic examinations, with a view to strengthening human rights; harmonization and development of advanced data systems capabilities to ensure proper chain of evidence and cooperation among Ukrainian institutions; and scientific, technical and research activities to enhance procedures to find large numbers of missing persons. The Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Ministry of Health creates a framework for ICMP to assist the Ministry with capacity building and provide support in the field of forensic science, particularly, in regard to forensic anthropology, forensic odontology, data collection and processing, and effective case management.
The MoU will facilitate transfer of forensic expertise and will contribute to:
developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and guidelines based on international standards and best practice in the field of forensic medicine; assisting in strengthening the infrastructure and technical capacities of forensic bureaus, based on needs assessments and consultations; and supporting the introduction of post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) to the forensic system in Ukraine, to improve the timely and appropriate processing of a large number of cases. ICMP is already providing support to the Ministry of Health’s forensic bureaus.
At today’s signing ceremonies at the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Health in Kyiv, ICMP Director-General Kathryne Bomberger said: “There are already tens of thousands of missing persons from the on-going war and the numbers of missing persons continue to grow. No country on its own can find such a huge number of missing persons and investigate their disappearances to a level where evidence of such atrocities can be provided to an international tribunal, while also fighting a war. ICMP’s support to Ukraine is aimed at helping Ukraine to enhance its existing capabilities to meet these demands.”
Matthew Holliday, the ICMP Director of Europe Programs, added during the signing ceremonies: “ICMP support will include facilitating cooperation among the relevant organizations engaged in the missing persons issue, helping Ukraine to strengthen its legislation to tackle the new situation in which it finds itself, and helping to augment Ukraine’s technical capabilities so that it can conduct investigations into tens of thousands of cases in line with the rule of law using cutting-edge technologies.”
Justice Minister Denis Maliuska said, “The Ministry of Justice forms and implements state policy in the field of forensic examination, and, in fact, DNA expertise, and analysis of photo and video materials in order to identify missing persons – who they are, whether they are on the territory of the Russian Federation: that is what our institution does. We appreciate the help of international partners, in order to establish the work properly and impartially: this is important,”
Deputy Justice Minister Andriy Haychenko said, “We need the support of partners and the involvement of international experts in investigating crimes and conducting forensic examinations. For us, ICMP’s experience and assistance in the field of forensic examination for the protection of human rights is very valuable.”
First Deputy Health Minister Serhiy Dubrov said, “Due to the full-scale war with Russia, approximately 30,000 Ukrainians, both civilians and military personnel, are currently classified as missing. It is our responsibility to ensure a thorough investigation and documentation of war crimes for them. The world must be aware of the truth regarding the crimes committed against Ukraine, and the families must receive accurate information about the fate of their loved ones and the circumstances surrounding their disappearances. To achieve this, we must elevate our forensic examination system to meet international standards.”