S-2003-01-2003_OVE

Initiated: October 2002 MEC/MissinglSept2003
THE WORLD MEDICAL ASSOCIATION STATEMENT ON
FORENSIC INVESTIGATIONS OF THE MISSING
Adopted by the WMA General Assembly, Helsinki 2003
Preamble
1. Over the last two decades forensic investigations into the aftermath of wars, civil
disturbances and oppressive political regimes have developed as a major contributor
to international justice and to an understanding of the truth ofwhat happened. These
investigations are often sponsored by NGOs or by Joos. Although established with
enormous goodwill, and calling upon the expertise of committed individuals, there is
sometimes a lack ofclarity about their role, remit and ethical basis. .
2. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) “The Missing” initiative
involving experts from around the world has set out the scientific, ethical and legal .
principles that should apply to such forensic investigations. National Medical
Associations have a role in encouraging compliance with the highest possible ethical
and scientific standards.
3. In many countries NMAs will have no role in certifying the qualifications and
experience of Forensic Medical Practitioners. However, they can draw the attention
of such practitioners to the advice being produced by the JCRC, Amnesty
International, Interpol and the United Nations and recommend or require compliance
with those standards. .
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with those standards.
Recommendations
4.
5.
The WMA calls upon all NMAs to try to ensure that when its members take part in
any forensic investigation, especially outside their own country, the investigation is
established with a clear mandate according to the highest possible ethical, scientific
and legal standards.
The WMA calls upon NMAs to develop expertise in the principles collated by the
different authorities on forensic investigations including those outlined in the
recommendations from the JeRC ”The Missing” project, and to help their members
ensure that these principles are applied to International Forensic Investigations.
6. The WMA calls upon NMAs to work to ensure that physicians are aware of the
standards that should apply to such investigations and to refuse to take part in those
that are ethically or otherwise unacceptable.
7. The WMA calls upon NMAs to ensure that their members only participate in
investigations that are properly recorded and documented and for which they are
afforded legal and other appropriate safeguards by the investigating authority.
The World Medical Association Statement on Forensic Investigations ofthe Missing
(Document MEC/Missing/Sept2003) is an official policy document ofthe World Medical Association, the global
representative body for physicians. It was adopted by the WMA General Assembly, Helsinki 2003.
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MEClMissinglSept2003
8. The WMA calls upon NMAs to work to ensure that information gained from the
investigation should be shared with the families ofthe missing as well as the relevant
tribunals in the pursuit oftruth and justice.
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17.9.2003
The WorldMedical Association Statement on Forensic Investigations ofthe Missing ,
(Document MEC/Missing/Sept2003) is an officialpolicy document ofthe World Medical Association, the global
representative bodyfor physicians. It was adopted by the WMA General Assembly, Helsinki 2003.
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