A/HRC/18/25 violations of international humanitarian law. However, a report of the National Research Council entitled, “Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A path forward” (2009), which underlines that DNA analysis is the only forensic method capable of consistently linking evidence to specific individuals and with a high degree of certainty, would suggest that the obligation to investigate includes making use of forensic genetics where necessary. Regarding the development of a manual, ICMP reaffirms the position that it had expressed in its contribution to the 2010 OHCHR report, and which is reflected in that report. It further stated that forensic genetics stands as the most rigorously established scientific basis for victim identification. Accordingly, the international community should seek mechanisms by which this tool can be used to maximum benefit. Taking steps that would create an obligation on States to use forensic genetics to investigate violations of human rights and international humanitarian law would be a desirable outcome. IV. Conclusions 41. The obligation to investigate gross violations of human rights law and serious violations of international humanitarian law is clearly established in international human rights and humanitarian law, and regional human rights instruments and jurisprudence. Linked to the duty to prosecute, it is also an aspect of the right to the truth. 42. Forensic genetics, including the creation and operation of genetic databanks, plays a central role in the investigation of gross violations of human rights law and serious violations of humanitarian law, in the identification of victims, where the victim has been killed or has disappeared, and in the restitution of the identity of victims. As a tool, it becomes ever more relevant and important in light of the technological advances made in the field in recent years, enabling large-scale identification to take place. 14