Slovenia to begin DNA collection for identification of war victims

Following the enactment of the Law on Hidden Military Graves and the Burial of Victims, Slovenia will begin collecting DNA samples from relatives to identify victims of war and post-war violence. The collection process is scheduled for November 17 and 19 at nine locations across the country, including Maribor.

Relatives and descendants are encouraged to provide oral mucosa swabs to create genetic profiles for comparison with remains found in hidden military graves. If an identity is confirmed, families may reclaim the remains for burial in family graves; otherwise, the Ministry of Defense will arrange for burial at Žale in Ljubljana.

The state will cover the identification costs, which are estimated to be between 1,000 and 1,200 euros per victim. The Nova Slovenska zaveza organization is hosting several informational meetings throughout October and November to explain the technical aspects of the DNA analysis and the identification process.