BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 8. Genetic
identification has been carried out for 328 missing persons at the
Main Department of Military Medicine of Azerbaijan’s State Security
Service, Rüfət Əliyev, head of the department, said on Oct. 8 at
the fourth international conference on missing persons in Baku,
Trend’s correspondent
reports from the event.


He said DNA-based research, one of the most significant
scientific achievements in human history, plays an important role
in obtaining results in the identification of missing persons and
achieving key objectives.


“Although the Genetic Research Center of the Main Department of
Military Medicine of the State Security Service began operating
relatively recently, the development of qualified personnel and the
laboratory’s provision with technological equipment and devices
meeting international standards have made it possible to provide
scientifically based, objective, reliable, rapid and high-quality
genetic forensic services,” Əliyev said.


He noted that forensic genetic examination, which is widely used
not only in the search for missing persons but also in legal
assessments and establishing the truth, cannot remain static in the
current environment.


“In today’s rapidly developing technological world, there is an
increasing need for genetic forensic institutions capable of
responding on a scientific basis to innovations in the genetic
identification of missing persons,” he said.


According to Əliyev, next-generation DNA technologies make it
essential for genetic specialists to update their knowledge and
skills.


“Specialized training and continuous professional development
have been set as key priorities at both the individual and
institutional levels,” he said.







The conference, titled “Strengthening trust and developing
effective mechanisms to address the problem of missing persons,” is
being held as part of the “Baku Dialogue” on missing persons and is
organized by Azerbaijan’s State Commission on Prisoners of War,
Hostages and Missing Persons.


Former heads of state and government, senior officials from
international organizations and foreign countries, heads of
institutions working on missing-person cases, experts,
representatives of non-governmental organizations and human rights
specialists, as well as ambassadors and military attachés
accredited in Azerbaijan, are attending the event.


One of the key focuses of this year’s discussions is building
and strengthening trust among the parties.


The conference aims not only to facilitate discussions but also
to contribute to establishing practical and sustainable mechanisms
that strengthen trust and cooperation, ensure families’ right to
know the truth, facilitate information exchange and expand the use
of modern forensic, DNA and technological capabilities.


The event will continue through Oct. 10.