Forensic Investigations in Cases of Human Rights Violations: Humanitarian and Legal Procedure

The aim of this paper is to explore the procedures and basic principles of forensic investigations related to mass murders and extrajudicial executions, including forensic medicine and anthropology, as well as the importance of exhumations in the context of human rights violations. Forensic work in these cases is important for training young professionals and strengthening justice and transparency in the investigation process. Investigations of mass graves and crimes do not only concern the former Yugoslavia but also global examples, including cases in South America, Iraq and Ukraine. The text focuses on specific stages of the investigation: preliminary investigation, archaeological excavation and identification of remains. The investigation must be carefully organized, with adequate protection of witnesses and investigators. Forensic experts must be trained and prepared to deal with the ethical and legal dilemmas that may arise during these complex processes. It concludes that, despite different geopolitical contexts, minimum standards for exhumation must be respected, and families of missing persons should be provided with accurate information in accordance with human rights.