UW: Forensics in Humanitarian Acton: Simulation exercise

Forensics plays a crucial role in humanitarian action, providing valuable insights and evidence necessary for effective response, accountability, and justice in complex humanitarian crises. This course explores the intersection of forensic science and humanitarianism, examining methodologies, techniques, and ethical considerations in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of forensic evidence in crisis settings. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of forensic investigations in the context of humanitarian action, with a focus on promoting accountability, protecting human rights, and fostering professionalism within the humanitarian sector.

Introduction to forensic science
Practical exercises - mock crime scene
Forensic psychology - interrogation and interview
Practical exercises - simulated border-checkpoint

Knowledge
- Understand the role of forensic science in humanitarian action and its application in promoting justice and accountability.
- Identify and describe various types of forensic evidence, including biological, chemical, digital, and physical.
- Comprehend methodologies and techniques for evidence collection, preservation, and analysis in crisis contexts.
- Recognize ethical, legal, and cultural considerations in forensic investigations, including international human rights frameworks.
- Analyze real-world case studies to understand the complexities of forensic work in humanitarian settings.

Skills
- Apply basic forensic techniques, such as fingerprinting, DNA profiling, and forensic anthropology, to practical scenarios.
- Conduct basic evidence collection and preservation with adherence to professional standards and chain of custody requirements.
- Critically assess forensic findings and integrate them into humanitarian and legal frameworks.
- Solve problems and make decisions in dynamic and challenging environments, ensuring accuracy and impartiality.

Social Competences
- Demonstrate a commitment to humanitarian values, including respect for human rights and cultural diversity.
- Exhibit professionalism, integrity, and ethical responsibility in all aspects of forensic practice.
- Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams to achieve common goals in crisis situations.

The three modules (Week 1,2,4) offer the students an exhaustive knowledge on several forensic disciplines used for the purpose of human identification. The theoretical and exercise modules (Week 3 and Week 5) will focus mostly on their potential application in two areas of humanitarian action work: human identification for the purpose of forensic science applications for the cases of genocide crimes, terrorism and natural disasters and migration-related issues. Students will be confronted with different types of scenarios and they will work under the guidance and supervision of the course instructors and experts.

30 % - Activeness (presence, discussion)
30 % - Group presentation
20 % - Participation in the mock-up CSI
20 % - Written test (closed questions)