European Union Supports Strengthening of Domestic DNA Identification Capacities in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Delegation of the European Union to BiH, today handed over specialized DNA laboratory equipment to the Agency for Forensic and Expert Examinations (AFEE) worth 138.600 EUR, marking an important step in strengthening domestic capacities for DNA-based identification of missing persons in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The equipment will support post-mortem DNA sample processing and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the process of accounting for missing persons in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The event brought together representatives of the European Union, International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP), and AFEE at the Agency’s laboratory facilities.

The laboratory premises were renovated and equipped with EU support, while ICMP provided technical and hands-on assistance through practical training in ICMP's DNA laboratory system in the The Hague, development of Standard Operating Procedures, and expert guidance throughout the process.

“This handover marks a major advance in strengthening Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capacity for DNA-based identification of missing persons. To ensure these investments deliver their full impact, authorities must take urgent steps to recruit additional qualified DNA analysts and make the laboratory fully operational. This is essential not only for accounting for missing persons and upholding the rights of their families, but also for advancing the rule of law and supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina’s progress on its EU path“ said Magdalena Mueller-Uri, Head of Cooperations at the Delegation of the European Union to BiH.

While the laboratory is now equipped with the necessary infrastructure and procedures, its full operational capacity still depends on sustained institutional commitment and adequate staffing.

“Through the support of the European Union and the technical expertise of ICMP, we have established a solid foundation for post-mortem DNA processing. Our priority now is to ensure that the laboratory becomes fully operational through the recruitment of at least 2 additional qualified DNA analysts, allowing us to maximize the value of this investment and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the missing persons process,” said Radisa Samardzija AFEE Director.

While ICMP continues to provide support in post-mortem DNA processing activities, the establishment of AFEE laboratory capacities is intended to ensure long-term sustainability and greater domestic ownership of the rule-of-law-based process of accounting for missing persons through the application of scientific methods. “Bosnia and Herzegovina has achieved globally unprecedented results in accounting for missing persons from the 1990s conflict, with more than 75 percent of reported missing persons identified through a science-based process supported by ICMP,” said Samira Krehic, Head of ICMP’s Western Balkans Program. “The establishment of domestic DNA processing capacities is an important step toward the long-term sustainability of this process. However, without sufficient staffing and sustained institutional commitment, the laboratory cannot yet assume post-mortem DNA processing responsibilities. Therefore, the engagement of Bosnia and Herzegovina government is of outmost urgency in order to enable AFEE to recruit qualified DNA analysts“.

The process of accounting for missing persons remains one of the most important rule-of-law  issues in Bosnia and Herzegovina. More than 7,000 persons reported missing from the 1990s conflict have still not been accounted for, and families continue to seek truth and justice regarding the fate of their loved ones.

European Union and ICMP remain committed to supporting the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina in building sustainable domestic capacities for DNA-based identification and strengthening the long-term institutional framework necessary to account for the remaining missing persons.