Forensic anthropological examination and DNA analysis in the identification of human remains in Rwanda

The identification of human remains plays a big role in solving legal and social challenges. To date, significant strides have been made to help positively identify human body remains following both natural and man-made disasters as well as reported cases of missing individuals. Thorough anthropological examination and DNA analysis of the remains can be used to conclusively link the profiles of the remains to persons if a potential living match is available even after a long period of time. We present cases of excavated human remains and samples from Rwanda that were part of both legal and social disputes. Following anthropological examination and DNA analysis, the disputes were conclusively settled. This case report also highlights the possibilities as well as challenges of identifying victim remains of larger calamities such as the 1994 Genocide perpetrated against the Tutsis in Rwanda in which an estimated one million Tutsis lost their lives.