Ethical considerations for forensic scientists participating in humanitarian action: A personal reflection

Forensic Sci Int. 2017 Sep:278:379-380. doi: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.07.029. Epub 2017 Jul 29.

Abstract

Humanitarian Forensic Action is aimed at relieving suffering by comforting and informing the relatives of disaster victims. It is not a priority to report human rights abuses to the authorities. It is thereby different from forensic human rights work with an inquisitive way of demonstrating culpability. The following tasks are relevant. The forensic scientist as an interviewer of the next of kin and witnesses. Emphasizing independency in armed conflicts. Assisting in man-made and natural disasters Assisting in the prevention and of the spread of epidemics.

Keywords: Disasters; Epidemics; Forensic activity; Neutrality; Next of kin; Relieving suffering.