ICPO-Interpol - General Assembly 67th Session - Cairo - 22nd-27th October 1998

RECOGNIZING the considerable scientific and technological progress achieved in the recent past in the field of DNA analysis,

BELIEVING in the efficiency of DNA profiling as a powerful tool for criminal investigations,

CONSCIOUS OF THE FACT that the national DNA databases can provide important logistical support for the investigating officers,

AWARE that further progress can best be achieved by the harmonization of national activities and standardization of the DNA profiling process,

CONVINCED that Interpol can play a leading role in this effort and in facilitating international co-operation in the exchange of DNA profiles,

HAVING STUDIED Report No. 12 entitled "DNA Profiling", submitted by the General Secretariat,

MINDFUL of the recommendations made by the 27th European Regional Conference (Dubrovnik, Croatia, 1998),

The ICPO-Interpol General Assembly, meeting in Cairo from 22nd to 27th October 1998 at its 67th session:

RECOMMENDS that:

The guidelines and recommendations set out by the Interpol European Working Party on DNA Profiling in its "Final Report of the Interpol European Working Party on DNA Profiling" should serve as a basis for further harmonization of the use of DNA technique worldwide;

National DNA databases of offenders and crime scene stains should be as comprehensive as possible, within the existing legislative limits, both nationally and internationally, in order to ensure maximum efficiency in terms of investigative requirements;

All institutions involved in the chain of evidence regarding DNA profiling should implement a quality assurance system that is accredited by a National Accreditation Body;

An international conference for user groups should be organized as a matter of urgency under the auspices of Interpol.