Identity and Justice for Argentinean-Identified Grandchildren: DNA-Testing as a Turning Point

Abstract

During the Argentinean military dictatorship (1976–1983), 130 children of desaparecidos (disappeared) born during their mothers’ captivity and then kidnapped by families close to the military were identified thanks to the efforts of human rights organizations and especially of their grandparents. DNA testing was used for verifying their identity. Based on the principle of the right to identity, if the children refused DNA testing, they were forced against their right to privacy. Ten identified grandchildren were interviewed and transcripts were codified in six categories. All interviewees considered the DNA testing the turning point for their social identity. These observations support the Argentinean legislative orientation.