Together we Care, Together we Identify
We look back on a very successful conference.
The two-day program consisted of a mix of plenary sessions and subsessions for forensic experts. During these sessions, led by session leaders from the Dutch police and organizations such as the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) and The Dutch Forensic Institute (NFI), topics such as AI, fingerprints, identification, and the development of an international handbook for the identification of unknown deceased persons were discussed in detail.
During the plenary sessions, various methodologies and procedures that are being used (or can be used) by the various countries of the identification of unknown deceased persons were discussed. The use of a DNA database was also addressed. Interpol presented seven recommendations for strengthening global cooperation. A crash course in DNA was given, the audience was also introduced to the various forms of inheritance, and the use of genealogical databases was introduced. The audience was treated to a compelling story about unidentified WWII victims buried at the Loenen War Cemetery. Finally, the use of DNA and emerging tools was discussed in depth. The more than 32 (inter)national speakers were primarily forensic professionals, scientists, and police officers.
In addition to the annual conference, the Dutch police also plays a key role in the execution of the EU projects established under the PEN-MP framework. The first project is to strengthen groundbreaking police cooperation in the identification of unidentified human remains and the second is to compile an European handbook on international missing persons and child abduction. Attendees of the conference were updated on these matters.
President of the PEN-MP, Izanne de Wit looks back on a wonderful and valuable conference where, in addition to extensive knowledge sharing, international ties were once again strengthened. The presidency will be handed over to Spain in 2027, and the final conference will be held in Rotterdam in the autumn of 2026.