UNITAD’s Forensic Science Unit (FSU)

Through FSU, UNITAD provides cutting-edge technology to specialized Iraqi counterparts, this includes MGD and MLD, as well as other governmental entities.

This support includes providing essential equipment for mass graves excavations and identification of remains, such as specialized four-wheel drive, all terrain drive vehicles, 3-D laser scanners, LIMS system for identification of remains, FARO ScanArm and digital forensic equipment.

FSU also supports national specialists in the analysis and excavation of mass graves of ISIL victims across Iraq in line with the national strategy for excavation of mass graves and the Iraqi Law on the Protection of Mass Graves. UNITAD’s FSU provides support to MLD in Ante-Mortem campaigns to collect information from victims’ families to support the identification of remains, as well as providing kits and equipment to ensure identification takes place in line with international standards.

In addition to equipment, the Team also provides technical, expert, and on-site support to national teams in MLD, MGD, and other Iraqi counterparts. FSU regularly conducts capacity building trainings in several areas, such as 3-D laser scanning, operating ScanArm, digital forensics, extracting data from battlefield evidence and others.