A/HRC/15/26 B. General considerations in the use of forensic experts in cases of gross violations of human rights 13. It is to be noted that the use of forensic experts in cases of gross violations of human rights implies several prerequisites, which can contribute to guaranteeing the credibility of such processes. In particular with regard to exhumation and identification processes, it is proposed that only once a framework has been agreed upon by all those concerned, can these processes begin. In this regard, it is suggested that the framework should include: (a) The establishment of protocols for exhumation, ante mortem data collection, autopsies and identification based on scientifically valid and reliable methods and technologies and/or customary, clinical or circumstantial evidence that are deemed appropriate and which have been previously adopted by the scientific community; (b) Appropriate means of involving the communities and families concerned in the exhumation, autopsy and identification procedures; (c) Procedures for handing over the human remains to the family. 14. It should also be mentioned that in many parts of the world, the use of forensic science in investigating human rights violations is still not standard practice. Although the technological gap in the area of forensics has decreased over the last two decades in some regions that have less technological capability, the credibility of official forensic institutions continues to be a major issue. Upgrading equipment and providing training is crucial to improving results and credibility. 15. While there has also been some improvement in this area, it remains critically important, but extremely difficult, to carry out independent forensic investigations or for independent experts to accompany forensic officials investigating human rights violations. Forensic investigations that are conducted solely by potentially unprofessional experts or institutions, which may have conflicts of interest, often do not provide satisfaction to families of victims and society as a whole, resulting in additional requests for further investigation. 16. Training and promoting local forensic experts is also an important issue. While the major contribution made by the international forensic teams who assisted in the search for those person who went missing or disappeared as a result of wars, internal conflicts and repressive regimes has been recognized, it is also important that they do not limit their intervention to forensic investigation and analysis, but also extend it to working with, training, and promoting local teams of forensic experts. This issue is essential for a variety of reasons: (a) In some countries, the forensic work of identifying victims of violations takes a long time. International teams will usually spend only a limited amount of time during each mission, and only for a few years, while a national team can dedicate itself full-time to this work until the case is concluded; (b) In many countries, forensic sciences are less developed or almost nonexistent and in most cases the use of archaeological, anthropological and genetic techniques is uncommon or absent. The use of physical evidence in court is, in general, limited and testimony is usually provided orally. Therefore, by training or creating a national forensic team or forensic professionals who can address this problem, there will usually be a general improvement in criminal procedures and, as a result, in the implementation of the rule of law; (c) National teams may serve the families of the victims and their communities in more effective ways, as they speak the same language, are from the same or a similar 6