Forensic Archaeology and Human Rights Violations

Book excerpt: Forensic archaeology has become a paramount tool with regard to the investigation of human rights abuses in recent times, by utilizing field techniques that provide a scientific means of searching, locating and recovering the victims of human rights abuses. By applying such techniques, human remains may be positively identified, thereby assisting survivors who are then able to lay their dead to rest and begin a process of closure after such tragic events have occurred. Additionally, the circumstances of the victim's demise will be accurately recorded, and in course this information will be duly presented in scientific terms to legal enforcing bodies, such as international criminal tribunals and domestic criminal courts. This book is unique in that it offers the reader a variety of topics and perspectives within one volume from contributors from across the globe, coming from a variety of diverse disciplines and experiences covering a broad spectrum that encompasses human rights investigations. It will also serve as a reference source for governmental agencies that are involved in conducting human rights investigations at various levels, including the provision of effective military assistance to those working in the field. Non-governmental organizations involved in human rights investigations will also find it to be an excellent reference that may be utilized in order for them to more effectively provide assistance in the areas of psychological, social, health, and humanitarian assistance in zones where civilians have been killed on a large scale. The book will be of interest to professionals in the fields of forensic pathology, international law, sociology, cultural anthropology, political science and biological sciences.