From Conflict to Cooperation: <scp>ICRC</scp> 's Forensic Humanitarian Efforts in Challenging Contexts

The authors establish the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) paradigm of forensic humanitarian action, which integrates forensic science with humanitarian principles to locate, recover, identify, and respectfully return the deceased. The development of the ICRC Forensic Unit, its assistance to medico-legal systems, and its advocacy for commitments stemming from international humanitarian and human rights law are described. It outlines quality management strategies, effective governance, overall quality management, process-oriented systems, and phased implementation adapted for resource-constrained, crisis-impacted environments. Principal difficulties encompass inadequate legal frameworks, compromised infrastructure, deficient information management, and restricted quality assurance. The ICRC strengthens medico- legal systems by working with relevant forensic stakeholders and building skills, focuses on involving families, and connects the respectful handling of the deceased with humanitarian principles , public health, and community trust.