Gaining Community Entry with Survivors for Forensic Human Rights and Humanitarian Intervention

Abstract

As forensic humanitarian and forensic human rights anthropology has continued to evolve, an ongoing concern in the field is meaningful engagement with survivors and the imperative to do no harm. For forensic anthropologists attempting to engage in grassroots forensic intervention, unaffiliated with an international investigation, means for effectively accessing and engaging communities has not been widely discussed. Here, forensic anthropologists draw on multiple, cross-cultural contexts to discuss methods and techniques for introducing forensic partnerships to communities. To do this, the scientist must consider their positionality as well as that of the stakeholders, develop effective local relationships, and consider a community-grounded approach. This paper argues that drawing on broader cultural anthropological training, ultimately informs one’s ability to gain entry into at-risk and vulnerable communities while minimizing harm. To illustrate this point, examples are drawn from Canada, Uganda, Cyprus, and Somaliland.

Broadening the Application of Forensic Science in an Era of Standardization

“…Several articles in this issue touch on potential contradictions or compatibility of different objectives that can be accomplished with forensic science [ 9 , 10 ]. Something that a broader perspective helps us realize is that there are contextual factors that govern the use of what forensic science can help us know.…”

“…We believe that this illustrates the global resonance and recognition of the importance of forensic science being adopted by the humanitarian sector. Also impressive is that despite this breadth, geographic, and cultural variation, all articles demonstrate methods or models that promote the dignification of victims and their families: be it innovative techniques in constrained circumstances and with open-source software [ 18 ], active family and community engagement [ 3 , 9 , 11 ], advocating models that better demonstrate stakeholder carec, or calling for greater international collaboration on common problems [ 10 , 19 , 20 ]. We believe that forensic scientists do what they do because they love science.…”