"The disappearance of millions of people as a result of the increasing number of armed conflicts, natural disasters, illegal migration and transnational crimes in today's world necessitates a comprehensive approach and joint efforts to address this global problem," Rufat Aliyev, Head of the Main Military Medical Department of the State Security Service, Major General of the Medical Service, said during a panel session at the 4th International Conference held within the framework of the Baku Dialogue on Missing Persons, APA reports.
He stated that, in this regard, the 4th International Conference of the Baku Dialogue on Missing Persons is of great importance: "DNA-based research, one of the most important scientific achievements in human history, plays a special role in achieving significant results in the identification of missing persons and accomplishing the main objectives. Although the Genetic Research Center of the Main Military Medical Department of the State Security Service began operating relatively recently, the development of qualified personnel and the provision of the laboratory with technological equipment and devices meeting international standards have made it possible to provide scientifically grounded, objective and reliable, as well as rapid and high-quality genetic examination services. Forensic genetic examination, which is widely used not only in the search for missing persons but also in legal assessments and establishing the truth, cannot remain unchanged in the current era. In today's world, where technologies are developing rapidly, there is a growing need for genetic examination institutions capable of responding to new developments in the genetic identification of missing persons on a scientific basis. In Azerbaijan, in accordance with the principles of state policy centered on human interests and the rights and interests of citizens, the importance of accrediting the laboratory of the Genetic Research Center, established entirely through state funding, was taken into account. In May 2024, the laboratory was accredited and certified by the National Accreditation Center in accordance with the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard of the International Organization for Standardization. To ensure the laboratory's full compliance with international quality standards in the management of biological materials, all preparatory stages for the implementation of and accreditation under the ISO 20387 standard, developed to ensure the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of biobanks, have been successfully completed. The accreditation process is expected to take place in November this year."
The head of the department noted that 328 missing persons have so far been genetically identified at the Main Military Medical Department: "The digital transformation of the Genetic Research Center, its cooperation with the State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons and other relevant state institutions, and the use of modern technological devices and equipment have increased the reliability of research and the quality of services. The results achieved have further strengthened public confidence in the process of searching for missing persons. New-generation DNA technologies undoubtedly require genetic specialists to update their knowledge and skills. Special training and continuous professional development have been identified as key priorities at both individual and organizational levels."
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