Use of forensic archaeology to investigate genocide

Abstract

The discipline of forensic archaeology is an essential component in the investigation of genocide. A forensic archaeologist is trained in grave recognition, excavation, and the identification of human remains. They are also able to assist in the lab with the investigation of skeletal remains and the recovered artifacts. Forensic archaeologists have been utilized in many genocide investigations, including in Rwanda, Argentina, and Bosnia. Along with other specialists, a forensic archaeologist is able to provide documentation of the genocide that took place and to quantify the number of deaths. They are able to assist both international courts and victims families in understanding exactly what took place to the victims. This paper is going to look at the background of the discipline of forensic archaeology. It will also investigate how forensic archaeology was used to investigate the genocide that took place in Rwanda in 1994.