A/HRC/18/25 framework. The EU is also reviewing the provisions on “sensitive data” and intends to examine whether genetic data should be included in this category. 32. The Government of Paraguay described a series of initiatives relating to the exhumation and identification of disappeared persons and those killed extrajudicially in Paraguay during the period 1954-1989. In particular, the work of the Office of the Ombudsman’s General Directorate of Truth, Justice and Reparation (DGVJR) was detailed, including that undertaken in conjunction with EAAF. DGVJR was mandated to, inter alia, search for disappeared persons and victims of politically motivated extrajudicial killings between 1954 and 1989, in partnership with other State institutions, and to establish a genetic database for this task. In this regard, DGVJR entered into agreements with the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of the Interior, with the support of EAAF, with the aim of obtaining the genetic profiles of the Paraguayan population so as to facilitate identification of the remains of disappeared persons, and to support the search, exhumation and identification of victims of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Three full genetic profiles were obtained from human remains found in a common grave in July and December 2009, setting an important precedent in Paraguay for the identification of disappeared persons. Paraguay also described a number of cases of enforced disappearance and torture brought to the attention of the Public Prosecutor, in which forensic genetics have played a role in determining the identity of the victims. 33. Furthermore, Paraguay provided information regarding DGVJR participation in the Mercosur Permanent Commission of Memory, Truth and Justice. DGVJR is to incorporate all resolutions adopted by the Permanent Commission. In one resolution, the Permanent Commission called on States to use forensic genetics in conformity with international standards to contribute to the identification of human remains of the victims of gross human rights violations and those who were separated from their families. It has also called for the creation, in the context of the Human Rights Council, of a new non-binding international instrument on the right to the truth that will advance the systemization of the content and scope of the right, as well as the development of good practices to ensure its effective implementation. 34. In Slovakia, the DNA Analysis Act of 2002 establishes the conditions for the use of DNA analysis for the identification of persons and the competence required to perform such analysis. Under this Act, DNA analysis may only be performed by the Ministry of Interior or another legal or natural person authorized to perform expert activities. Furthermore, a national DNA database, maintained and administered by the police, was established under the Act. The database contains DNA profiles of samples taken in the context of criminal proceedings and from biological parents, children and other relatives in connection with the search for missing persons. Data from the database is destroyed once the case is discontinued or the person is acquitted or the proceedings against a convicted person are found inadmissible. With regard to tracing persons, Slovakia stated that any natural person may apply to the police and the Slovak Red Cross for assistance. Any personal data provided to the Red Cross is protected by legislation. 35. The Government of Switzerland noted that it has only been required to practise forensic medicine in the context of massive human rights violations on rare occasions, such as the Katyn massacre. However, it regularly sends experts to participate in the Justice Rapid Response, where forensic anthropological techniques are always used. Regarding relevant bilateral activities, Switzerland explained that it consults institutions that follow best practices, for example, EAAF, the Forensic Anthropology Foundation of Guatemala, and ICMP, thereby promoting exchanges on best practices and assisting governments in the adoption of norms and standards so that exhumations, particularly in cases involving missing persons or the existence of mass graves, can be conducted according to established standards. Regarding multilateral activities, Switzerland is cooperating with Argentina to 12

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