OUR MISSION EXPLAINED IN 5 STEPS
Our goal is to help find solution based action in the fight against crime.
Through our experienced forensic DNA experts and key opinion leaders, we offer the data and policy information needed to make DNA database strategy decisions in the following ways:
PODCAST SERIES
Vanessa Lynch, Regional Director of DNAforAfrica as she talks about the mission behind DNAforAfrica and her thoughts on how Africa can benefit from using DNA and DNA Databases to solve crime and assist victims of crime and GBV.
PODCAST SERIES
Vanessa Lynch, Regional Director of DNAforAfrica as she talks about the mission behind DNAforAfrica and her thoughts on how Africa can benefit from using DNA and DNA Databases to solve crime and assist victims of crime and GBV.
PODCAST SERIES
Vanessa Lynch, Regional Director of DNAforAfrica as she talks about the mission behind DNAforAfrica and her thoughts on how Africa can benefit from using DNA and DNA Databases to solve crime and assist victims of crime and GBV.
2nd FORENSIC DNAforAFRICA SYMPOSIUM
The Forensic DNA Symposium, East Africa was the second in a series of DNA events launched across the African continent. The first event, held in 2021 in Cape Town, South Africa, provided a platform for in-person panel discussions with live streaming to over 500 virtual attendees from across Southern Africa and beyond.
In 2022, DNAforAfrica together with the ICRC were honoured to bring together respected international and local forensic experts and activists from both the public and private sector, all of whom serve as dedicated change makers in humanitarian forensic action and crime resolution. The 2nd Forensic DNAforAfrica Symposium held in Nairobi, Kenya explored integrated and innovative approaches towards these objectives through discussion of best practices and lessons learned.
EVENT - AGENDA
SYMPOSIUM 2022
DAY 1 - 22 June 2022
This fabulous Cocktail Event sponsored by the ICRC launched the Symposium and was attended by dignitaries, international agency representatives, representatives of local authorities, participants and guest speakers.
DAY 2 - 23 June 2022
This high level scientific DNA Workshop for experienced forensic practitioners, was led by renowned forensic scientist,
Dr Bruce Budowle, Visiting Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki. In person only applicants were honoured to have had the opportunity to personally engage with Dr Budowle throughout the day.
DAY 3 - 24 June 2022
08h00-17h00 Sarova Stanley, Nairobi, Kenya
Our exciting plenary featured presentations and forensic experts from Africa and beyond
This hybrid event offered both a live and virtual experience to participants from all over Africa and beyond, and provided both presenters and delegates to interact as well as share their experiences and expertise.
Program
TIME | SUBJECT | PRESENTER | ORGANIZATION | BIO | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
08.00 - 08.25 | In-Person Event registration &
Virtual attendees log-in via ZOOM | . | |||
08.25 - 08.30 | WELCOME ADRESS | Dr Vanessa Lynch | DNAforAfrica | ||
08.30 - 9.00 | Keynote Presenter: DNA - A Crucial tool for Re-uniting Missing and Dead Migrants to their Families | Dr Ahmed Bugre | African Union Commission | ||
09.00 - 09.30 | DNA in Humanitarian Catastrophes:
Conflict, Disasters and Migration | Mr Stephen Fonseca | ICRC | ||
09.30 - 10.00 | Forensic DNA in Complex Identification Determinations: A Case Study | Dr Joseph Kimani | Govt. Chemist, Kenya | ||
10.00 - 10.30 | DNA Forensic Practices in Puntland: Achievements and Challenges of Somalia’s Inaugural Forensic Bureau | Mr Yasin Farah | Puntland BFS, Somalia | ||
10.30 - 11.00 | TEA/COFFEE | . | . | ||
11.00 - 11.30 | From Horror to Hope: Transforming Victims to
Survivors of Sexual Assault in the DRC | Prof. Alumeti Munyali | Panzi Foundation | ||
11.30 - 12.00 | Overcoming Challenges in DNA Collection Practices in Low Resource Environments | Lady Wangu Kanja / Prof. Lisa Smith | Founder/Executive Director. The Wangu Kanja Foundation / Leicester University | ||
12.00 - 12.30 | Keynote Presenter: Solutions for Fighting Sexual Assault in the EAC | Dr Kizzie Shako | Forensic Medical Specialist | ||
12.30 - 13.00 | Sexual Violence in the EAC:
A Call for Investment | Ms Ashley Spence | RAINN / DNA Justice Project | ||
13.00 -14.00 | LUNCH BREAK | . | |||
14.00 - 14.30 | Keynote Presenter: Combatting Human Trafficking with the Forensic DNA Toolbox | Prof. Bruce Budowle | Visiting Professor, University of Helsinki | ||
14.30 - 15.00 | DNA Databases in EAC Cross Border Security:
A Human Rights Perspective | Prof. Marion Mutugi | National Commission on Human Rights | ||
15.00 - 15.30 | A Paradigm for a Forensic DNA Database
Policy Programme in Kenya | Dr John Mungai | Forensic Scientist | ||
15.30 - 15.45 | TEA/COFFEE | . | . | ||
15.45 - 16.15 | Insights into the Forensic DNA Services in Tanzania | Mr Fidelis Bugoye | Govt. Chemist, Tanzania | ||
16.15 - 16.30 | Lessons Learnt from Establishing the First DNA Lab. in Uganda
| Mr Andrew Mubiru | FSS Uganda | ||
16.30 - 17.00 | Advancing Justice through DNA Policies:
The Need for DNA Laws | Mr Tim Schellberg | GTH-GA | ||
17.00 - 18.00 | Wrap-up and Closure followed by Networking Opportunity for In-person Delegates | Dr Vanessa Lynch | DNAforAfrica |