Forensic performance with a focus on human rights - a pending subject in Spanish forensic medicine

Forensic medicine has historically played a leading role in the defense of the fundamental human rights as an essential tool at the service of the Administration of Justice in fighting against impunity as a denial of the right of the victim. In recent years, especially promoted by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the concept of ‘humanitarian forensic action’ has been developed, as opposed or complementary to criminal investigation, focused on alleviating human suffering and protecting the dignity of victims of armed conflicts and other catastrophic events. That type of investigations demands specialized education under the perspective of multidisciplinarity of forensic work, in the proper application of international protocols and guidelines (Istanbul, Minnesota) and the recognition of the rights of victims and families. Development of training programs and specific plans and procedures focused on human rights for Medicolegal Institutes in Spain, particularly in those areas where progress has already been made with the publication of guides and protocols is a necessity in the commitment of forensic medicine with victims and their families, will benefit our advisory function to Justice Administration, and will provide us with the necessary skills to collaborate with other national and international entities.