NATIONAL FORENSIC DNA DATABASES

JEREMY GRUBER

56 countries worldwide operate national DNA databases

26 countries plan to set up new DNA databases including: Chile, Lebanon, Tanzania and Thailand

Knesset c'tees pass bills allowing

wider criminal database Jerusalem Post

New Zealand Widens DNA DatabaseRINF News

Pakistan Govt planning to have citizens' DNA database

The Nation

A number of countries are in the process of expanding their databasesAustralia, China, Israel, New Zealand

UAE: Government to create DNA database

of all residents, starting with childrenThe National

Crime-fighting DNA database is to be set up in Bermuda

The Royal Gazette

Pakistan Govt planning to have citizens' DNA databaseThe Nation

Some countries have proposed including entire populations on their database inc.:

Bermuda, UAE, Uzbekistan, Pakistan

A Growing International Threat Concerned with terrorism, illegal immigration and “global crime” law enforcement and

government officials are engaged in efforts to link national DNA databases

• United Kingdom: Through data-sharing agreements established through the European Union (such as the PRUM DNA Search Network) and other international institutions, DNA data is shared across borders with little oversight.

United States: The National Institute of Justice’s International Center promotes information sharing among similar Institutes worldwide.

INTERPOL: Interpol’s DNA Gateway and G8/Interpol Search Request Network now contains profiles shared by 49 countries.

Advisory groups have been formed in Europe and elsewhere to improve harmonization of forensic DNA methods (such as the ISO Standards for DNA Database Exchange)

Plans to develop a ‘Google search’ type system for sharing data across national boundaries.

Entities from the US and UK are promoting DNA databases internationally

Public: Forensic Science Service(FSS)-UKHas contracted with foreign governments (UAE example)

Department of Justice (FBI Laboratory)-US29 countries use CODIS to operate their national DNA databasePromoting international agreements and authorizing legislation

Local officials

Entities from the US and UK are promoting DNA databases internationally

Private:

The Bermuda Example:Bermuda government signs a $987,000 three-year contract with Florida-based firm Trinity DNA Solutions to set up and run their DNA database

Life Technologies: Over the last 11 years, Life Technologies has advised over 50 foreign governments and states on forensic DNA legislation, policy and law and regularly makes promotional presentations to foreign countries.

Spotlight on Japan:

In 2009 the government of Japan standardized DNA collection and analysis for the country’s 47 prefecture laboratories using Life Technologies DNA testing systems.

Life Technologies provides continued support to Japan’s National Police Agency.

Common Features of DNA Database Authorizing Legislation

1) Entry criteria

2) Sample collection

3) Removal criteria

4) Sample retention

5) Database access

The Forensic Genetics Policy Initiative seeks to achieve a direct impact on the human rights standards adopted for DNA databases across the world. Our aims are to: Build global civil society’s capacities to engage in the policy-making processes on the development of

national and international DNA databases and cross-border sharing of forensic information

Protect human rights by setting international standards for DNA databases

For more information, please visit our website at:www.dnapolicyinitiative.org

FGPI is a collaboration of the following organizations: