The International DNA and Human Rights Conference held at the University of California, Berkeley on April 26 and April 27, 2001 was an unprecedented examination of the use of DNA in human rights contexts.

Researchers, practitioners and activists from the fields of genetics, biotechnology, forensic sciences, criminal law, human rights and ethics gathered together to discuss the potential of DNA to address the extraordinary needs of victims of human rights violations. Conference participants examined the ways in which DNA technology can help reunite families separated by government-sponsored kidnapping; identify the remains of victims of genocide and ethnic cleansing, and; exonerate individuals who are wrongfully convicted — some of whom are on death row. They also addressed the complex ethical questions raised by the demand for increased DNA testing. Click here to see the conference agenda.

It was clear that the demand for DNA testing is outstripping its availability; its full potential in human rights cases remains unrealized. One of the most pressing challenges is making DNA analysis available for the identification of the remains of the disappeared and victims of war throughout the world. Such an effort will require the cooperation of biotechnology firms, state and national governments, universities, and philanthropic and non-governmental organizations.

In an effort to continue a dialogue on the emerging issue of DNA technology and its crossovers with human rights, a working group was formed and this student-initiated web site was designed.