International DNA databases

GeneWatch UK, the Council for Responsible Genetics and Privacy International are working together on the Forensics Genetics Policy Initiative to develop international standards in this area. Visit our website.

You may also wish to vist GeneWatch's website, My DNA, My Family, My Rights.

These pages provide information about the state of development of DNA databases worldwide.

Please visit the wiki to find information about a specific country

For a comprehensive review of existing national legislation on DNA databases, read the article Forensic DNA databases: Ethical and legal standards: A global review.

The GeneWatch UK briefing outlines the human rights issues associated with the expansion of DNA databases worldwide.

If you would like to share information about your own country or seek more information, please contact us.

Resources

Press articles
Forensic Genetics Policy Initiative
- GeneWatch International briefing: Proposals to include DNA in national biometric identification schemes: human rights implications (July 2020) 30th July 2020
- GeneWatch UK comments on: THE DNA TECHNOLOGY (USE AND APPLICATION) REGULATION BILL (India), 2019 31st October 2019
- GeneWatch letter to Rwanda: Dangers of a universal DNA database (25th April 2019) 24th April 2019
- Forensic Genetics Policy Initiative: Establishing Best Practice for Forensic DNA Databases 2nd October 2017
- FGPI briefing: Australia and New Zealand 16th May 2016
- Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy: Report to Human Rights Council, 31st session - A/HRC/31/64 (8th March 2016)
- GeneWatch UK PR: Expansions of police DNA databases worldwide urgently need human rights safeguards 16th February 2016
- Wallace et al. (2014) Forensic DNA databases: Ethical and legal standards: A global review
- Forensic Genetics Policy Initiative (website)
- CRG: Overview and Concerns Regarding the Indian Draft DNA Profiling Act (April 2012) 23rd April 2012
- Council for Responsible Genetics: GeneWatch magazine: Forensic DNA
- GeneWatch PR: Scientists and Royals both have responsibility for human rights 12th March 2011
- GeneWatch, CRG and PI PR: Prince Andrew linked to Blair plan to DNA test whole population of UAE 11th March 2011
- Council for Responsible Genetics: National DNA databases (13th January 2011)
  An extensive analysis of DNA database legislation worldwide.
- GeneWatch briefing: DNA databases and human rights 12th January 2011
External links
- MANUAL DE PROCEDIMENTOS OPERACIONAIS DA REDE INTEGRADA DE BANCOS DE PERFIS GENETICOS: Versao 2 11th November 2014
- The US International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP): Forensics
- Forensic Magazine
- Promega: International Symposium on Human Identification Conference Proceedings (1991 to date)
- Promega: Forensic Connect
  Industry news site
- The Global Alliance for Rapid DNA
  Industry lobby group
- Fiodorova (2012): International DNA Framework
- International Commission on Missing Persons: ICMP Launches Online DNA Database to Assist DNA Laboratories and Manufacturing Companies (23rd August 2013)
- ENFSI: DNA-DATABASE MANAGEMENT REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS ENFSI DNA Working Group (April 2013)
- Mestman R (2012) Interpol DNA Hit Catches International Serial Rapist - Only the Second Interpol DNA Hit with the United States
- AllAfrica.com: Africa: 2011- A Ground-breaking Year for INTERPOL's Future (30th December 2011)
- Privacy International: European Privacy and Human Rights
  This resource produced by Privacy International, the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) and the Center for Media and Communications Studies (CMCS) includes information on DNA databases in European countries (see the bottom category in right-hand menu on the map).
- Rand Corporation: Toward a Comparison of DNA Profiling and Databases in the United States and England (2010)
- European Network of Forensic Science Institutes
  Documents on DNA databases in Europe.
- DNAResource.com
  Website including an international map of DNA databases and policy information, produced by Gordon Thomas Honeywell on behalf of the DNA industry.
- Interpol: Interpol Handbook on DNA data exchange and practice (2009)
  In order to obtain a global overview of the use of DNA profiling in criminal investigations among its 188 member countries, INTERPOL has conducted three surveys since 1999. The results of the latest survey, completed in 2008, are based on replies from 172 member countries. To date, INTERPOL is aware of 120 countries that are known to use DNA profiling in their police investigations and 54 countries that are known to have a national DNA Database.
- Interpol: International DNA exchange (ppt) (September 2009)
- Interpol: Global DNA profiling survey: Results and analysis (2008)
- GeneBanc: National Forensic DNA Databases: Socio-ethical challenges and current practices in the EU (2007)
- Council of The European Union: DNA databases to assist with criminal investigations (16th June 2006)
- Interpol: Global DNA database inquiry: Results and analysis (2002)

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