Our mission is simple: we want to help families find their missing loved ones and identify unidentified dead bodies through DNA testing. The UMID Identification Portal and DNA Database, emerged as a leveraging pioneering system to address a pressing humanitarian need. We know how difficult it is for families when a loved one is missing or unidentified, and our goal is to bring peace and closure and aids in investigation.
The UMID Identification Portal, which stands for Unidentified & Missing Persons Identification portal and DNA database, began as a pilot project and has since expanded across more than six centres, demonstrating its success and relevance in addressing a national issue.Here’s how we work:
DNA Profiling
Its primary objective is to streamline the process of identifying unidentified human bodies or remains and locating missing persons through the utilisation of DNA fingerprinting technology. The phenotypic data collected and is available to view on the portal has information such as physical descriptions, facial features, and distinguishing marks that allows for forensic experts and investigators to match the bodies with missing persons reports.
Search and Match
Since families and friends of missing persons often experience prolonged uncertainty and emotional distress. A civil database can also help provide closure to families and loved ones as a means to potentially identify, inform of the deceased’s whereabouts and subsequently return their remains to the family.
Easy Access for Families
The information in our database, such as DNA profiles and physical details of unidentified bodies, is available on our website. This allows families to search and get one step closer to finding answers. If a probable match is found, the family can contact the police or submit a request to any of our centres for more information.
Helping Law Enforcement
By comparing DNA profiles from the Questioned DNA database with those in the Reference DNA database, it can make definitive identifications assisting police officials, closing cold cases. As we look towards the future, UMID is committed to expanding its reach and impact.
Providing Hope and Closure
Our main aim is to help families reconnect with their missing relatives or identify unknown bodies. At its core, UMID is not just about technology or databases; it’s about honouring the inherent worth and dignity of every human being. It is a testament to the power of humanitarian forensics action in creating a more just and compassionate world and helping people from all backgrounds, irrespective of their sex, age, caste, religion, race, nationality, social and financial status.