I-Familia: Global Database to Identify Missing Persons

I-Familia: Global Database to Identify Missing Persons

Part of: GS Prelims and GS –II- International

In news

• Recently, the Interpol has launched a new global database named “I-Familia” to identify missing persons through family DNA and help the police solve cold cases in member countries

About I-Familia:

• There is growing international concern about the number of missing persons and unidentified victims around the world due to increased international travel, the prevalence of organized crime and human trafficking, the rise in global migration, conflicts and natural disasters.
• The first of its kind, I-Familia is a global database for identifying missing persons based on international DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) kinship matching.
• The database seeks to identify missing persons or unidentified human remains when direct comparison is not possible, by using DNA samples from family members instead.
• Family members must give their consent for their data to be used for international searching.

Value Addition

International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) 

• Interpol is an intergovernmental organization headquartered in Lyon, France that helps coordinate the police force of 194 member countries.
• Each of the member countries hosts an Interpol National Central Bureau (NCB) which connects their national law enforcement with other countries and with the General Secretariat.
• The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is designated as the National Central Bureau of India.
• Interpol Notices are international requests for cooperation or alerts allowing police in member countries to share critical crime-related information.