Support to International Commission on Missing Persons

During the reporting period, the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) made substantial progress in its collaboration with the Kosovo Institute of Forensic Medicine (IFM) and other local authorities. The following results are highlighted : - ICMP actively participated in the NN Working Group, improving methodologies and cooperation through multiple meetings, thereof enhanced the cooperation among stakeholders. - ICMP hosted a delegation from Kosovo, which led to agreements on data exchanges, use of ICMP systems, and forensic review support. In a specific case, ICMP's DNA analysis helped correct previous misidentifications, resulting in the accurate identification and re-exhumation of remains. - ICMP began analyzing data from the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), identifying and correcting data discrepancies to clarify cases with previously unclear or mismatched information. Numerous DNA reports were generated and submitted, assisting in the identification and reassociation of remains. - Plans were established with IFM for future training in forensic anthropology and DNA analysis. ICMP also assessed and supported the Kosovo Agency on Forensics in enhancing local DNA analysis capacities, which included equipment donations and staff training. -New standard operating procedures were developed and validated, ensuring the quality and reliability of forensic DNA processing. Key forensic equipment was procured and installed at the Kosovo Agency on Forensics, boosting their capabilities for independent DNA analysis. - ICMP managed a significant volume of biological samples, prepared for the disposal of non-essential samples in compliance with retention policies, and ensured proper chain of custody documentation. Overall, these efforts not only yielded tangible forensic results but also strengthened Kosovos institutional capacities and international collaboration, underlining ICMPs commitment to supporting Kosovos forensic capabilities and aiding in the identification of missing persons.

Outcome A: Capacities of relevant authorities involved in the process of accounting for missing persons in Kosovo further strengthened; Outcome B: Continued engagement of families of missing persons in the process of accounting for Kosovo conflict missing persons; Outcome C: Regional cooperation to address the issue of persons missing from the Kosovo conflict enhanced. On Outcome A: - Cases of unidentified human remains in Institute of Forensic Medicine mortuary forensically reviewed and recommendations for case resolution provided to the Kosovo authorities - Biological samples from exhumations in Kosovo and Serbia are DNA tested and matched for the purpose of human identification of missing persons - Designated staff from the Institute for Forensic Medicine trained in use of Total Station at exhumations and in post-mortem examination and sampling - Kosovo Agency on Forensics capacities in DNA analysis for the purpose of human identification of conflict-related missing persons cases strengthened On Outcome B: - Families of missing persons better informed on the process of accounting for missing persons in Kosovo, and awareness of youth and the general public in Kosovo on the issue of missing persons raised On Outcome C: - Increased cooperation between Kosovo and Serbia government commissions on missing persons to account for missing persons