DIV Human Rights

What is a mass disaster?

An unexpected event causing widespread injury or death. Like Hurricanes, Earthquakes, Plane Crashes, Terrorist Attacks, Bombings

how many fatalities define a mass disaster?

12 fatalities

What condition are remains often in during mass disasters?

• Burned

• Fragmented

• Dismembered

What was “Ground Zero”?

The World Trade Center recovery site in NYC.

What made the WTC identification effort difficult?

• Unknown number of victims

• Extreme fragmentation

• Commingling

• Hazardous recovery conditions

What is triage in DVI?

Sorting and prioritizing remains for examination.

What does anthropological triage involve?

• Human vs. nonhuman determination

• Commingling assessment

• Cataloging remains

What identification methods are used in DVI?

• DNA

• Fingerprints

• Dental records

• Radiography

What is international humanitarian law?

Laws protecting people during armed conflict.

Examples of war crimes?

• Genocide

• Terrorism

• Chemical warfare

• Blocking humanitarian aid

What UN resolution defined genocide?

Resolution 260 (1948 Convention on Genocide).

Why are forensic anthropologists important in human rights investigations?

They recover, document, and identify human remains.

What archaeological methods do forensic anthropologists use?

• Mapping

• Photography

• Documentation

• Sketching

What is mortuary analysis?

Examination of remains after death.

What can forensic anthropologists determine from remains?

• Biological profile

• Trauma

• Identity

What organization assists with missing persons internationally?

International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP).

What does “in situ” mean?

Studying remains in their original location.

What evidence is examined during in situ analysis?

• Body position

• Associated evidence

• Trauma

Why is forensic anthropology important in human rights work?

• Gives closure to families

• Identifies victims

• Helps prosecute war criminals

• Preserves historical memory