Biological Reference Sample Collection
Organisation:
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
Overall Objective:
Truth and Reconciliation
Type of Activity:
Research
Geographic Target:
Nationwide
Status:
Ongoing
Type of Organisation:
INGO
Initiative's Approach:
Truth-seeking
Target Group:
Victim Groups
Launched in:
2015
Description:
The objective of this project is to collect biological reference samples (saliva) from close family members of persons who went missing during the armed conflicts in Lebanon since 1975. The samples will be stored until the authorities establish a national mechanism with the humanitarian objective to clarify the fate of the missing. Only then will the samples be handed in order to extract DNA and match it with exhumed human remains. This project is awaiting the adoption of a project proposal by the Council of Ministers which will allow ICRC to collect samples together with the Internal Security Forces. Pending this approval, the ICRC started collecting the samples alone in November 2015.