If you have a relative missing from the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia, if you have not already given a blood sample for DNA analysis and if you do not live near one of our collection centers (see below), please fill in the on-line MISSING PERSON DATA FORM, or print the form and send it by mail, email or fax to ICMP Headquarters in Sarajevo (contacts below).
Help To Find Your Missing Relative
You can help to find your missing relative by giving a small blood sample. ICMP will analyze the blood sample to find your DNA profile, which we may be able to match with DNA samples from missing persons on our database. Please make sure you have first filled in our on-line MISSING PERSON DATA FORM.
Why DNA?
Because of the large number of human remains that have been exhumed in the former Yugoslavia, the lack of detailed medical and dental information, and the amount of time that has passed, traditional means of identification are not effective. ICMP is therefore using the most recent advances in DNA testing to help to identify missing persons.
How does it work?
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) contains the genetic information that creates each one of us as a unique individual. Every cell in our bodies contains this DNA information, and apart from identical twins, no two individuals have the same DNA. Half of an individual’s DNA is inherited from the mother and half from the father.
In order for DNA testing to help in identifying missing persons, DNA is obtained from bones or teeth exhumed from grave sites and from family members through donated blood samples. All the DNA information is stored in two databases, which are compared daily using specialized computer software at ICMP’s Identification Coordination Division. In this way, ICMP is currently finding an average of 25 DNA matches per day. A DNA match on our database indicates a likelihood of at least 99.95 per cent that the missing person has been identified. We have thousands of DNA profiles on our database that were obtained from bone samples and teeth taken from remains exhumed from mass graves. More DNA profiles of missing persons are being added every day. Your blood sample could help identify them.
Who should donate?
Blood samples are needed from at least one family member but preferably from several family members. The ideal blood reference samples are from the father and mother of the missing person, although this is often not possible. We also take blood samples from brothers, sisters and children. And although they are not directly related, spouses can also donate blood samples if they have children with the missing person, as this can help us to determine family links. In some cases, blood samples from more distant relatives may be useful.
What You Need to Do if You Would Like to Give a Blood Sample for DNA Testing:
If you are a family member of a missing person and if you have not yet given a blood sample for DNA testing you can contact us via telephone, fax or email, or drop in at one of the location listed below. You may also fill in the on-line MISSING PERSON DATA FORM below, or print the form and send it by mail, email or fax to ICMP Headquarters in Sarajevo. Someone from ICMP will contact you.
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Sarajevo
ICMP Headquarters
Alipasina 45a
71000 Sarajevo
Phone: + 387 33 218 660
Fax: + 387 33 203 297
E-mail: icmp@ic-mp.org