MaGPIE - A comprehensive, universal human rights framework for Mass Grave Protection, Investigation & Engagement

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This MaGPIE proposal was successful under the European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator Grant 2022.Mass graves exist across the globe and on a shocking scale. They contain evidence that is essential to the realisation of justice and accountability goals at multiple levels: for victims, affected communities, States in transition and the international community. Yet the scale and nature of the problem is not well understood: there are no global records for mass graves, nor is there a universal human rights framework to govern all facets and ramifications of mass graves, thereby resulting in a policy gap.This project urgently responds to this significant knowledge and policy gap in the international human rights landscape. It asks: how can a comprehensive and universally applicable human rights framework for the protection and investigation of mass graves be achieved? To answer this complex question, three overarching objectives have been derived: O1 To produce a global quantitative and qualitative assessment of the scale of the phenomena that are mass graves;O2 To remedy associated blindspots within the existing human rights framework; andO3 To create policies that innovate, consolidate and implement a coherent human rights approach to mass grave engagement.The scale of human loss and the societal significance require a pioneering, multidisciplinary approach that is rooted in law to safeguard sites, human remains as well as the rights and interests of survivors. Led by the author of the international standard-setting Bournemouth Protocol on Mass Grave Protection and Investigation, this project is premised on the belief that mass graves, regardless of where situated, are deserving of a comprehensive human rights framework to secure their protection, investigation and stakeholder engagement. Whilst firmly grounded in legal methodology, it employs multidisciplinary approaches to drive the research excellence needed to generate invaluable, fact-based knowledge, theory development and policy guidance for the benefit of victims, families and communities.