Anthropology of Violent Death

The first book to specifically focus on the theoretical foundations of humanitarian forensic science

Anthropology of Violent Death: Theoretical Foundations for Forensic Humanitarian Action consolidates the concepts and theories that are central to securing the posthumous dignity of the deceased, respecting their memories, and addressing the needs of the surviving populations affected. Focusing on the social and cultural significance of the deceased, this much-needed volume develops a theoretical framework that extends the role of humanitarian workers and specifically the actions of forensic scientists beyond an exclusively legal and technical approach.

Anthropology of Violent Death is designed to inspire and alerts the scientific community, authorities, and the justice systems to think and take actions to avoid the moral injury in society and cultures due to grave disrespect against humanity, its memories and reconciliation. Humanitarian forensic science faces the role of mediator between the deceased and those who are still alive to guarantee the respect and dignity of humanity. Contributions from renowned experts address post-mortem dignity, cultural perceptions of violent death and various mortuary sites, the forms and critical effects of the so-called forensic turn and humanitarian action, the treatment of violent death in post-conflict societies, respect for the dead under International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and Islamic law, the ethical management of the death of migrants, and much more.

• In an increasingly violent world, this volume, develops a theoretical component for death management in scenarios where humanitarian action is required

• Facilities better understanding between the social sciences, the forensic sciences, and justice systems in situations involving violent death

• Discusses the latest theories from leading scholars and practitioners to enhance the activities of forensic scientists and authorities who have the difficult responsibility of making decisions

• It provides a better understanding of the humanitarian and cultural dilemmas in the face of violent death episodes, and the unresolved needs of the dignity of the deceased during armed conflicts, disasters, migration crises, including everyday homicides

Anthropology of Violent Death: Theoretical Foundations for Forensic Humanitarian Action is an indispensable resource for forensic scientists, humanitarian workers, human rights defenders, and government and non-governmental officials.

Auteur

Edited by
Roberto C. Parra is a Peruvian forensic anthropologist and staff member of the technical assistance team of the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office (UNJHRO) of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). He has worked as an expert witness and as a strategic manager for the application of forensic sciences in various cases, and has over 20 years of professional experience, including victims of plane crashes and shipwrecks, human rights violations during armed conflicts and post-conflict, as well as in everyday cases of common crime. Since 2012, he has developed international missions in Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East for the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner (OHCHR) of the United Nations.

Douglas H. Ubelaker is a Curator and Senior Scientist at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC. He has been a Member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) since 1974, serving as its 2011-2012 President. He is a recipient of many honors, including the Anthropology Award of the Washington Academy of Sciences, the AAFS Lucas Medal, and the FBI Director's Award for Exceptional Public Service.