Management of dead bodies in disaster situation

This manual provides the technical information needed to support State authorities in the proper management of dead bodies, taking into account the following principles: the body of a person killed as a result of a disaster does not pose a risk for infection; mass graves should never be used for burying disaster victims; under no circumstances should mass cremation of bodies take place when this goes against the cultural and religious practices of the affected population; finally, it is necessary to exhaust every effort to identify the bodies, and as a last resort bury unidentified corpses in individual niches or graves. This is a basic human right of surviving family members. This manual should be of interest to specialists in disasters and in management of human remains, and especially national or local authorities who are responsible for ensuring that bodies are treated in a dignified manner and that the human rights of those affected by disasters are respected.