Humanitarian Forensics: Stakeholder perspectives on the use of international kinship matching DNA databases

This study provides a qualitative evaluation of the international sharing of DNA records from relatives of missing persons via international kinship matching DNA databases (IKMDDs), focusing on the governance and ethical implications of such practices. To gain critical insights into the current frameworks and challenges surrounding the use of IKMDDs, such as the INTERPOL I-Familia system, a purposive sample of seven key stakeholders were interviewed. These included a biometrics commissioner, directors of humanitarian forensics and missing person investigations centres/ agencies, as well as leading forensic science policy experts and academics. The findings revealed a significant lack of transparency in the operation of IKMDDs and trust in the management of humanitarian databases by law enforcement agencies. Participants expressed concerns about the lack of standardised global protocols, emphasising the need for reforms that prioritise ethical principles, informed consent, and data protection. The issues identified in the thematic synthesis of the responses suggest an urgent need for a unified international legal framework, which will enable effective cooperation between member states. In conclusion, this study underscores the critical need for enhanced accountability and transparency in humanitarian forensic procedures. Such improvements are essential for bolstering public trust and optimising the international exchange of DNA records. It is imperative that policymakers, forensic organisations, and nongovernmental agencies dedicated to resolving missing persons cases worldwide take these findings into consideration to safeguard against the risks of function creep as observed in the use of genetic genealogy databases.