Groups

WG1: Physical Evidence

This working group will seek to draw on expertise from community groups and researchers in bioanthropology, craniofacial identification, AI, forensic science and scene examination from European and African research hubs, SMEs, and NGOs.

WG2: Digital Evidence

This working group will seek to draw on expertise from community groups and researchers in craniofacial identification, drone, AI, digital technology and cybersecurity from European and African research hubs, SMEs and NGOs

WG3: International Policy

This working group will seek to draw on human rights, law and policy, transnational communication, international migration, and missing persons expertise.

WG4: Continued Professional Development

This working group will be led by early career researchers under the responsibility of the MC, who will draw on expertise from the proposing members, the other WGs and the wider network community.

Who we are

Migrant Disaster Victim Identification (MDVI)

Thousands of migrants attempt to cross bodies of water and inhospitable land masses between their countries of origin and arrival. Sadly, many migrants lose their lives during the migratory route and their identities may never be established. It is an international moral necessity to attempt identification for each deceased person for legal and/or family matters, and this can be especially challenging in mass fatalities. This is a global humanitarian crisis.

Current migrant disaster victim identification processes appear to be inadequate and under-funded – approximately 22% of deceased migrants are ever identified. This is partly caused by a lack of communication between countries of origin and relevant stakeholders – policymakers, forensic practitioners, humanitarian groups, families and government bodies – and partly by advanced technologies that have not delivered their full potential in this field.

In this Action, interdisciplinary research and coordinated initiatives (meetings, training schools, short term scientific missions and online resources) will drive the development and validation of international processes and resources, including the utilization of innovative craniofacial, drone, AI and social media methods.