FAP Objectives

Guatemala: Support the Guatemala Forensic Anthropology Foundation’s (FAFG) DNA laboratory operations and ability to positively identify thousands of victims of disappearances and mass killings; improve ability to conduct forensic operations and use DNA sampling and processing to analyze remains and reference samples.

Peru: Demonstrate the power of genetic analysis to improve regional capabilities for positive identification of thousands of victims of disappearances and mass killings; -improve the ability of the Peruvian Forensic Anthropology Team (EPAF) to build institutional capacity in forensic anthropology to uphold the principles of democracy and promote human rights; -support results that help identify victims’ remains, illuminate the history of tragedy, and find the truth about what happened.

FAP Expected Results/Outcomes

Guatemala: Laboratory accredited, fully staffed and operating at optimal level, collected 200 buccal samples and 50 skeletal samples per month; new DNA testing approaches established; and an expanded database to include a wider cross-section of family references and trained staff on use of cutting-edge forensic techniques.

Peru: Office of Missing Persons in Ayacucho expanded; -Provincial capacity increased; DNA analysts trained; -DNA buccal and skeletal samples outsourced; -National Council of Reparations supported with collection of ante mortem data; -Forensic Database expanded.

Statement of Work: The FAP will increase the capacity of the FAFG in Guatemala to operate their newly established DNA processing laboratory, improve their ability to collect samples and information related to victims of human rights violations. The FAP will also strengthen the capacity of the Peruvian Forensic Anthropology Team (EPAF) to increase the number of identified remains and gather more evidence that could be used in legal proceedings, improve their ability to collect samples and information related to victims’ of human rights violations.

Program Length: 12 months. Start Date: 1/13/2009

FAP is Innovative: Links modern-day techniques with need to identify thousands of “disappeared” Guatemalans and FAFG organizational ability to function in tenuous human rights environment.

FAP is Sustainable: FAFG expertise to be utilized in geographic areas that were devastated by extreme violence during the conflict era and where thousands of people remain missing. EPAF helps GoP overcome lack of information as obstacle to reparation benefits.

FAP has Demonstrated Impact: FAFG will work towards developing a revenue stream from outside sources requiring DNA processing services to ensure sustainability of the laboratory. In Peru, increased number of victims of disappearances positively identified.

Photos by Alain Wittmann