Thailand and the Former Yugoslavia: Is DVI the Answer to Natural Disasters and War - Dissertation Example

?Topic: Identification work in Thailand and the former Yugoslavia: Is DVI the answer to natural disasters and war? Relevance: The proposed research will examine the forensic identification work of victim of natural disasters and man-made crimes like war in accordance with DVI manual. Thus, the proposed study is directly relevant to Criminology and Forensic. Aims and objectives of research DVI manual proposed by Interpol presents the protocol for conducting identification of victims of disasters. Working in accordance with DVI manual is advantageous, but several problems can arise at the time of forensic procedure. The proposed study has the main objective of finding out whether conducting the job of identification of victim of natural or manmade disasters on foreign soil in accordance with DVI manual are helpful. In other words to say, the proposed to will try to examine whether the protocol of DVI proposed by Interpol is a perfect answer to victim identification in case of disasters of international nature. For the purpose of the study, the proposed research has a goal of focusing on a various problems and challenges that forensic experts face at the time of victim identification. It would really be interesting to find out whether the problems can be attributable to DVI protocol. In other words to say, it would really interesting to find out whether DVI protocol actually helps forensic experts in their process of victim identification or makes the process more challenging. If it is found that DVI protocol is actually helpful to the forensic experts in the process of victim identification, then it can be said that DVI protocol is a perfect answer to identification of victims of disasters. The proposed research will take into account a natural as well as a man-made disaster. For examining the efficiency of DVI in victim identification in case of a natural disaster identification work in Thailand in post-tsunami phase will be considered, while for man-made disaster, identification work during war of former Yugoslavia in 1991 will be taken in account. Having these overall research objectives for the study, the specific research aims for the proposed study can be as follows: To evaluate the efficiency of DVI guidelines in conducting successful and effective identification of victims of Tsunami in Thailand. To examine whether DVI manual was actually helpful or an obstacle in conducting the job of victim identification effectively in case of former Yugoslavia war that killed innumerable people. How the shortcomings of DVI, is any, in conducting identification of victims can be resolved? Outline and Organization of Topic Brief overview of the field: Interpol has proposed guidelines in the DVI manual for use by the member nations of Interpol Member in case of identifying victims of any disaster. This DVI guide is extremely useful for those member countries of Interpol that do not possess their own team for identification of victim in disasters or no not have any prior experience in confronting such huge and complicated operational situation by setting up a DVI team and making it functional. It offers vital supplemental information as well to those member countries which have built their own DVI teams. (INTERPOL, 2009) The most essential prerequisite in case of victim identification effort is the implementation of global standards that could serve as some common basis for the activities in case of DVI operations with multinational character. (INTERPOL, 2009) All measures of victim identifications are generally structured in such a way that they can produce results in the form of accurate positive victim identification. In case of victim identification in international disasters, the victim identification standard employed must be of the highest quality. Besides, it is extremely vital to offer proper respond to the need of relatives need within the shortest possible time. Victims are required to be handled with dignity and proper reverence. DVI teams generally conduct their activities in an interdisciplinary mode. DVI teams always appoint experts from various fields according to the need of the identification process. (INTERPOL, 2009) With the intention of setting up, maintaining and evaluating standards and promoting successful co-operation at international level, Interpol asks for making preparations for the operation of victim identification in each of its member nations. If a catastrophe takes place in a nation that does not possess its own team for DVI operation, help from other DVI teams can be asked for through Interpol. (INTERPOL, 2009) Prior experience in the field of victim identification has revealed that cooperation with DVI teams from other nations is beneficial when there are victims of different nations. More commonly, in case of the presence of victims of disaster from other countries, the country in main charge should work with greatest interest to secure contribution from those other countries, at least the country in charge should ask for connecting officers, specifically from the medical and dental forensic experts, and also from police departments for facilitating the information exchange. During DVI process, Interpol forms must be utilized to record data relating to victim identification, ante mortem and post mortem. (INTERPOL, 2009) Of course, working in accordance with DVI manual is advantageous, but several problems can arise at the time of forensic procedure. Different types of problems can take place when large sized operations are initiated on foreign countries. At the time of high-profile catastrophe, the level of interest amongst forensic experts becomes quite high. This results in very fast movement of teams or individual experts without conducting proper discussion with local administration. This kind mobilization sometimes causes employment of those individual experts and teams that are not engaged in present occupational practice. These individuals or teams are not at all desirable when highest quality of efforts should be deployed. It is vital to make sure that all forensic experts are trained in their respective field. (Rutty et al. 2005; Byard et al. 2006) Working on an international platform also involves complicated legal and cultural aspects. Sometimes the impression built about local authorities is that they are simply tolerated by foreign experts, however the reality seems to be the opposite. Cultural compassions are very vital and all efforts should be directed in such a way that they do not hurt local religious principles, cultural outlooks and practices. The effort should also adhere to local political systems. Non-compliance of local cultural and legal aspects may result in huge problem for the forensic experts to conduct their works. A continuous difficulty may also be confronted when there is operating huge number of DVI teams from different countries working in such a way that DVI protocols are stringently adhered to and that efforts meet professional as well as ethical norms. (Prieto et al, 2007; Lau et al. 2005) Specific focus and main areas of interest In this background, it would be really interesting to examine whether DVI can provide an error-free system of victim identification during a natural or manmade catastrophe. Hence, the proposed study would place it focus on examining benefits, problems and challenges associated with forensic procedure while conducting the job of victim identification in accordance with DVI manual in case of a man-made as well as a natural disaster with multinational character. This study will not look into the entire forensic process conducted by the experts in the selected events or provide n elaborate discussion of the identification process; rather it would concentrate on identifying the benefits and the challenges that forensic experts faced at different stages of victim identification during a natural disaster and during a war. Key issues and questions to be addressed The questions that should be addressed relating to the given topic of the research are related to issues in the field of social science as the objectives are basically finding out various socio cultural and funding related issues involved in forensic procedures in accordance with DVI. The proposed research would try to answer the following key issues or questions: What major benefits the forensic experts and associates did experience by following DVI manual at the time of victim identification in Thailand and Yugoslavia while? What kind of cultural barriers did hinder identification process following DVI guideline in Thailand and Yugoslavia? Did the forensic experts face any confrontation form local masses on account of hurting local cultural or regional practices in Thailand or Yugoslavia at the time of conducting their jobs using DVI guidelines? Was the political system supportive to the disaster identification activities in Thailand and Yugoslovia? Was it challenging to follow DVI manual in practice in Thailand and Yogoslavia? did the problems with identification using DVI surpass benefits of using DVI? Draft chapter structure: Suggested Dissertation Chapters I. Abstract II. Introduction A. Background: This section will set the back ground of the study by discussing aspects relating to the concerned area of the study B. Problem Statement: given the background of research, it will provide a problem statement that will be considered throughout the study. C. Aims and Objectives: On the basis of the problem statement research aims and objectives will be stated in this section. D. Significance of the study: this section will discuss the significance of the study. E. Limitations: this section will provide probable limitation of the study F. Organization of the paper: this section ill provide the elaboration of the organization of the paper. III. Description of DVI IV. History of war and war crimes in former Yugoslavia and the identification work carried out post War V. History of tsunami and in Thailand and identification work. VI. Methodology: This section will present research design and method V. Results and Discussion: this section will present the results of the questionnaire survey and will analyze whether DVI can be the answer of natural disasters and wars. VI. Conclusion: VII. Appendix VIII. Bibliography Research Approach, Design, Methods Data/information collection method In this study, information will be collected through questionnaire survey through interviews. Interview is regarded as an extremely helpful and influential tool for carrying out qualitative researches. During the proposed research, interviews of the selected people would be conducted to find out what they actually think regarding the issue under consideration. Interviews would enable to access the perspective of the people who are directly engaged in forensic process. Here, the sample would include experts and other associate staffs involved in forensic procedure following DVI manual in the process of victim identification in the Tsunami affected Thailand and war affected Yugoslavia. Since questionnaire survey would be time consuming as well as expensive, sample size would be kept small. For the present study sample size will be between 25-50 participants. A purposive sampling method will be employed to pick the sample participants on the basis of expertise and experience they possess. This kind of non-probability type of sampling offers an objective observation relating to the concerned issues from all angles. This interview method suited the best and frequently used when the sample size is small. Apart form primary survey, some secondary information will also be collected from relevant books, secondary data, etc. Research approach The proposed study is qualitative in nature. It does not aims at quantify anything; rather its objectives include identification of problems associated with forensic process in victim identification during mass disaster on foreign soil, and exploration of possible solutions. Hence, in this study, qualitative research method with the help of questionnaire survey will be applied. Qualitative research generally creates data on the basis of the participants’ own views and beliefs regarding certain things. This method helps in studying a limited number of cases thoroughly, and it has a tendency to gather data in natural settings (Creswell, 2001). Thus, for the proposed study, data collection would involve the judgments and attitude of the researcher and the participants in the research, through the utilization of a variety of instruments. In qualitative study, instruments employed in the collection of the data may be case studies, interviews, focus groups and observation (Creswell, 1994). Here, interviews will be conducted. Qualitative studies are conducted by obtaining insight and proper understanding of a person’s experience. Qualitative research aims at producing a sense of authenticity in such a manner that does not usually engage attachment of numerical value to an observation. (Herndl & Nahrwold, 2000). Justification of the method The present study is exploratory in nature as it tries to find out certain facts relating to a particular issue. According to Creswell (2001), qualitative research offers an exploratory focus, while quantitative study is mainly concerned with explanatory investigation. Moreover, with the qualitative method, the researcher can become more subjective. In other words, this kind of technique is employed when the researcher’s investigation is conducted on the basis of the participant’s point of views about a particular issue. (Herndl & Nahrwold, 2000). Thus for the proposed study, qualitative research employing interviews of forensic personnel will be the most suitable method. Research Challenges and Problems There is a mounting acknowledgment that carrying out qualitative research can create many challenges to researchers. A few challenges found out by researchers are issues associated with maintaining border lines (Dickson-Swift et al., 2006; Gale, 1992), budding understanding (Liamputtong and Ezzy, 2005), budding friendships (Ceglowski, 2000; Higgins, 1998), coping with emotions (Dunn, 1991; Gilbert, 2001b; Payne, 1994) etc. While many of these problems are exclusive to qualitative study, they are frequently gets complicated at the time of researching sensitive or tricky issues. There are also some ethical issues relating to qualitative research as follows: - Researchers should obtain informed permission from all the participants in research. Usually consent can be achieved by means of written approval forms. In order to get consent form forensic personnel, it is required provide them information relating to research purpose, research process, required time frame, etc. - It is also necessary to maintain confidentiality of information provided by the participants. This ethical issue is concerned with providing protection to the participants. - It is also essential to provide a sketch of the risks and benefits involved to the participants in the study. Adherence to all these rules results in desired outcome from the qualitative research. IV. Indicative literature Survey and bibliography a. Brief literature survey A large number of theoretical and empirical literature exist that deal with various aspects of disaster victim identification. While some literatures discusses various aspects relating to the process of disaster victim identification in compliance with DVI manual prepared by Interpol , some others have conducted some empirical studies to look into various practical issues involved in various large international disasters, for example terrorists attacks, natural disasters liken tsunami, etc.. Since the present study is concerned with identifying the problems in the forensic process following DVI manual in international disasters along with their possible solutions, it is necessary to look at the various aspects of disaster victim identification process following the protocol of Interpol on the basis of various existing theoretical and empirical literatures. In this section, findings of five key texts will be provided along with required reading list for the proposed dissertation. Pan American Health Organisation (2004)., in its reports on disaster victim identification, highlighted coordination as one of prime aspect of the entire process. Coordination is necessary at local, provincial as well as national level during victim identification. Coordination at the initial stage is essential for managing required information, coordinating activities, identifying required sources, putting into force and managing a el-constructed plan of action for effective dead body management (Pan American Health Organisation, 2004). Proper coordination is also vital for disseminating correct information to the relatives of victims and communities. (Pan American Health Organisation, 2004) Apart from building effective coordination, the forensic experts and associate workers in the process it is also necessary to be very careful about infectious disease risk as pointed out by Ville de Goyet (Ville de Goyet, 2006). The fright of having epidemics after disasters is frequently intensely embedded, in spite of increasing proof to the contrary. Existing researches in this field has revealed that the dead bodies, including rotten bodies, are not capable of spreading diseases after disasters unless they drinking water comes in direct contact with them. Instead, the existing population may be responsible for epidemics. The groundless conviction that the dead bodies spread infectious diseases is quickly scattered by the exhausted public and is frequently promoted by the media. The political leaders run by this beliefs often force officers in charge to conduct hurried burials or cremations of dead bodies that are not even identified bodies (Ville de Goyet, 2006). Authorities are also forced to conduct mass burials due to the absence of effective sanitary equipments that in turn may actually pollute drinking water. This kind of mismanagement of dead bodies causes long-lasting mental suffering to families and communities that experience this kind of undignified treatment of their loved ones. (Ville de Goyet, 2006) As pointed out by Thompson and Black (2007), in order conduct body identification properly, the first step is the body recovery. If it is appropriately done it will seriously help in the identification process and will also trim down the agony of families and communities. Forensic experts have the required qualification and the authority to conduct this job. But it may take several times in the mobilization of forensic experts and relevant resources after disaster. This implies that opportunities to identify bodies at the early stage can be lost due to fast decomposition of the bodies. In this case, there should be employed other types of forensic identification of dead bodies, such as autopsies, fingerprint, dental examinations, analysis of DNA analysis, X-ray, etc. (Thompson and Black, 2007). Thompson also pointed out the importance of good public communication in victim identification. Correct information significantly helps in reducing the strain and agony experienced by affected relatives and communities. It also facilitates in resolving rumors and clarifying any misconception about the treatment and identification of the dead bodies (Thompson, and Black, 2007). The media including newspapers, television, radio and Internet offer crucial and unique mode of communication with the masses in immediate post-disaster period (Thompson, and Black, 2007). Apart from theoretical studies on how an effective disaster victim identification process should be conducted, there has been a number of empirical studies that talks about practical issues relating to the implementation of guidelines in DVI manual. For example, an empirical study hasfound DVI as a labour- intensive as well as capital-intensive endeavor (Lau et al. 2005). In another study Morgan et al. (2006), it has been stated that enough financial support for conducting all its crucial facets and components. Certainly, it has been stated that the terrible need for committed financial support for relief work is frequently, if not always, matched by its shortage. Preferably, special funds should be given to DVI experts working on foreign soil. None of these personnel should have to be shifted from well-mannered lodging to a low-cost accommodation on account of the present economic scenario, as took place in Thailand. Efficient advanced planning is necessary to deal with the diverse consequences of any huge mass catastrophe (Morgan et al., 2006). Empirical studies (Morgan et al., 2006; Lau et al. 2005) have found DVI process to be challenging and traumatic for those who take part in it. This is quite a fact even in circumstances where the victims arising from a local mass catastrophe of any type number only a few. It is definitely more tricky when the catastrophe takes on a really international nature and takes the lives of thousands of people. Advanced planning, sufficient funding, the accessibility of appropriately trained DVI personnel along with international co-operation are indispensable to provide an effective and fast reaction to any huge mass catastrophe of the future. b. Indicative reading List 1. Harvey, P., Baghri, S. & Reed, B., 2002. Disposal of dead bodies. in Emergency Sanitation, Water, Engineering and Development Centre, Loughborough University. 2. Jensen, R. A., 2000. Mass Fatality and Casualty Incidents: A Field Guide. London: CRC Press. 3. Pan American Health Organisation. 2004. Management of Dead Bodies in Disaster Situations. Washington D.C: Pan American Health Organisation. 4. National Institute of Justice. 2005. Mass Fatality Incidents: A Guide for Human Forensic Identification. US Department of justice. 5. Morgan,O.W., Sribanditmongkol, P., Perera,C., Sulasmi, Y.& VanAlphen,D. et al., 2006. Mass Fatality Management Following the South Asian Tsunami Disaster: Case Studies in Thailand, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka, PLoS Med 3(6):e195. 6. Morgan, O., Tidball-Binz, M. and Van Alphen, D. (eds.). 2007. Management of Dead Bodies after Disasters: A Field Manual for First Responders. Washington, DC: PAHO. 7. Prinz, M., Carracedo, A., Mayr, W. R., Morling, N., Parsons, T. J., Sajantila, A., Scheithauer, R., Schmitter, H. & Schneider, P. M., 2007. DNA commission of the International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG): recommendations regarding the role of forensic genetics for disaster victim identification (DVI). Forensic Science International: Genetics 1:3–12. 8. Thompson, T. and Black, S. (eds.), 2007. Forensic Human Identification: An Introduction. London: CRC Press. 9. Ville de Goyet, C. 2006. Epidemics caused by dead bodies: a disaster myth that does not want to die. Pan American Journal of Public Health, 15(5): 297–9 10. Walker P, Wisner B, Leaning J, Minear L. 2005. Smoke and mirrors: deficiencies in disaster funding. BMJ, 330:247-51. 11. Clayton T.M., Whitaker J.P., and Maguire C.N., 1995. Identification of bodies from the scene of a mass disaster using DNA amplification of short tandem repeat (STR) loci. Forensic Sci Int, 76:17-25. 12. Budimlija Z.M., 2003. World Trade Centre Human Identification Project: experiences with individual body identification cases. Croatian Med J, 44:259-63. 13. Hsu C.M., Huang N.E., Tsai L.C., Kao C.H., Linacre A. and Lee J.C. 1999. Identification of victims of the 1998 Taoyuan Airbus crash accident using DNA analysis. Int J Legal Med, 113:43-6. 14. Wisner B, and Adams J. 2002. Environment health in emergencies and disasters: a practical guide. Geneva: World Health Organisation. 15. Rutty G.N., Byard R.W., and Tsokos M. 2005. The tsunami. An environmental mass disaster. Forensic Sci Med Pathol,1:3–8.2. 16. Byard R.W., Cooke C., and Leditschke, J. 2006. Practical issues involved in setting up temporary mortuaries after mass disasters. Forensic Sci Med Pathol, 2:59–61. 17. INTERPOL, 2009. Disaster Victim Identification Guide. Available at: http://www.interpol.int/Public/ DisasterVictim/Guide.asp [accessed on 16th June, 2011] 18. Prieto, J.L., Tortosa, C. , Bedate, A. , Segura, L. , Abenza, J.M. , Mariscal de Gante, M.C. , Conejero, J. , Magana, C. and Perea, B. 2007. Madrid terrorist attacks: the importance of the mortuary organisation for identification of victims. A critical review. Int. J. Legal Med, 121: 517–522. 19. Lau G., Tan W.F., and Tan P.H. 2005. After the Indian Ocean Tsunami: Singapore’s Contribution to the International Disaster Victim Identification Effort in Thailand. Ann Acad Med Singapore. 34(5):341-51. Gale, J. 1992. ‘When Research Interviews are more Therapeutic than Therapy Interviews’, The Qualitative Report. Available at: http://www.nova.edu/ssss/QR/QR1-4/gale.html. [accessed on 16th June, 2011] 20. Dickson-Swift, V., James, E., Kippen, S. and Liamputtong, P. 2006. ‘Blurring Boundaries in Qualitative Health Research on Sensitive Topics’, Qualitative Health Research 16: 853–71. 21. Liamputtong, P. and Ezzy, D. 2005. Qualitative Research Methods. South Melbourne: Oxford University Press. 22. Higgins, I. 1998. Reflections of Conducting Qualitative Research with Elderly People. Qualitative Health Research 8: 858–66. 23. Ceglowski, D. 2000. Research as Relationship. Qualitative Inquiry 6: 88–103. 24. Dunn, L. 1991. Research Alert! Qualitative Research May be Hazardous to Your Health!. Qualitative Health Research 1: 388–92. 25. Gilbert, K.R. 2001. Collatoral Damage? Indirect Exposure of Staff Members to the Emotions of Qualitative Research, in K.R. Gilbert (ed.) The Emotional Nature of Qualitative Research. London: CRC. 26. Payne, S. 1994. ‘Issues for Researchers using Qualitative Methods’, Health Psychology Update 16: 7–9. 27. Creswell, J. W. (2001) Educational research: Planning, conducting and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research. OH: Merrill/Prentice-Hall. 28. Creswell, J. W. (1994). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative approaches. Sage Publications, Inc. Thousand Oaks: CA. 29. Herndl C, Nahrwold C. (2000). Research as Social Practice: A Case Study of Research on Technical and Professional Communication. Written Communication, 17(2):258-296. 30. Budimlija ZM. 2003. World Trade Centre Human Identification Project: experiences with individual body identification cases. Croatian Med J, 44:259-63. V. Name of the Proposed Supervisor: Marika Hemebery Read More