Into the shadows of the Rwandan Genocide
AUTHOR: Sri Neha P, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences (Secured the 3rd position in the INTRICATE TRAILS, AN ARTICLE WRITING COMPETITION)
In today's world, crimes often cross international
borders, leaving many cases unsolved due to a lack of proper interconnections
among countries. However, in cases such as mass genocide, terrorism, and plane
crashes, international agencies collaborate to solve them more often than we
think. This article discusses the important role of international collaboration
in forensic investigations, particularly in cases of mass genocide, terrorism,
and plane crashes. Crimes often cross international borders, making it
difficult to solve cases without proper interconnections among countries.
However, when law enforcement agencies and forensic experts from different
countries work together, it enhances the pursuit of justice on a global
scale.
The pooling of expertise and resources is one of the
primary benefits of international collaboration in forensic investigations.
Different countries possess unique strengths and capabilities in forensic
science, ranging from DNA analysis to digital forensics. By sharing knowledge,
technology, and specialized equipment, investigators can leverage each other's
strengths to solve complex cases more efficiently.
This article delves into the crucial role of
international collaboration in forensic investigations, exploring how
cooperation among law enforcement agencies and forensic experts from different
countries is enhancing the pursuit of justice on a global scale.
The ethical and systematic collection, examination,
and interpretation of evidence play a crucial role in not only identifying and
convicting offenders but also providing solace and closure to the victims and
their families. Moreover, in recent times, the value of international
cooperation in forensic investigations has become increasingly apparent,
particularly in cases of mass atrocities and human rights violations, such as
the infamous Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 crash. The collaboration between
forensic experts from different countries and organizations has proved
instrumental in uncovering vital evidence, identifying victims and
perpetrators, and bringing the guilty to justice.
One poignant example of international collaboration in forensic investigations is the tragic case of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17. The downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 on July 17, 2014, was a tragic event that resulted in the loss of all 298 people on board. The flight, which was en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, was shot down over eastern Ukraine, an area of conflict between Russian-backed separatists and Ukrainian government forces. Investigations concluded that the aircraft was hit by a Russian-made surface-to-air missile, specifically a Buk (SA-11) missile system while flying at its cruising altitude of about 33,000 feet. The missile exploded near the cockpit, causing the aircraft to break apart and crash. The investigation into the incident was complicated by the ongoing armed conflict in the region. However, evidence eventually pointed to separatist-held territory in Ukraine as the launch site for the missile, with the weapon being brought in from Russia and returned there on the same day.
In 2019, Dutch prosecutors filed charges against
four individuals, three Russians and a Ukrainian, in connection with the
downing of MH17. Among them was Igor Girkin, also known as Igor Strelkov, who
was associated with the Russian-backed military operation in eastern Ukraine
and had ties to Russian intelligence agencies. A Dutch court later found Girkin
and two others guilty of murder, attributing the missile that brought down the
plane to Russian-led troops in Russian-controlled territory. The downing of
MH17 highlighted the dangers posed by the possession of sophisticated
surface-to-air missile systems by non-state actors, posing a significant threat
to commercial aviation. It also underscored the challenges of conducting
investigations in conflict zones and the difficulties of holding accountable
those responsible for such acts.
International collaboration in forensic
investigation played a crucial role in the MH17 case by pooling together
expertise, resources, and technologies from multiple countries. Forensic
experts from various nations worked together to analyze the wreckage,
reconstruct the aircraft, examine recovered debris and human remains, and
conduct detailed examinations of data from flight recorders. This collaboration
allowed for a comprehensive investigation that could draw upon diverse
perspectives and specialities, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of the
findings. Additionally, it helped ensure transparency and impartiality, as
multiple independent parties were involved in the process. Moreover,
international cooperation facilitated the sharing of information and evidence,
enabling investigators to piece together the sequence of events leading to the
crash and identify the responsible parties. This collective effort also
supported the prosecution of suspects involved in the downing of MH17,
demonstrating the effectiveness of collaborative endeavours in achieving
justice for the victims and their families.
Ultimately international collaborations in times
like these do happen. Other well-known examples of such camaraderie in
international relations were in cases like the missing Boeing 727. One notable
example occurred in 1864 when French investigator Edmond Locard worked with
Scotland Yard's Henry Goddard to solve a murder case involving the Eureka
Stockade rebellion in Australia. This was known to be the first ever recorded
international collaboration in history.
Through sharing expertise, resources, and best practices, countries can leverage diverse perspectives and methodologies to solve complex crimes and deliver justice more effectively. Such collaborations facilitate the exchange of knowledge, technological advancements, and training opportunities among forensic professionals across borders. By fostering cooperation between law enforcement agencies, laboratories, and legal entities on an international scale, these partnerships contribute to the development of standardized protocols, improved techniques, and enhanced capabilities in forensic science. Ultimately, international collaboration in forensic investigations strengthens global efforts to combat crime, promote accountability, and safeguard communities. As future Forensic Scientists let us understand the importance of such collaborations and act without any discrimination or enmity.
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