The Concealed War Graves and Burial of Victims Act – a call to relatives to assist in the identification of victims of wartime and post-war violence

In June 2026, the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia adopted an amendment to the Concealed War Graves and the Burial of Victims Act (ZPVGPŽ), which enables the continuation of procedures to establish the identity of victims whose remains are located in concealed war graves. An important part of the identification process is the comparison of genetic profiles obtained from human remains with those of biological relatives.

Therefore, the Police and the Ministry of the Interior and Public Administration, in cooperation with the Ministry of Defence and the Government Commission for Concealed Gravesites have issued

a public call

for anyone who believes that a relative or ancestor of theirs may be among the victims of wartime or post-war violence and who is willing to assist with the identification process to come forward to any of the police units listed below.

Identifying victims by comparing the genetic profiles of their biological relatives

Following an interview and the collection of the necessary information, a buccal swab will be taken – subject to the prior consent of a relative – as a reference biological sample for the creation of a DNA profile. The DNA profile will be used for comparison with DNA profiles obtained from mortal remains, for the purpose of identifying the victim.

All data obtained, as well as the reference biological sample and the genetic profile derived from it, will be used solely for the purpose of identifying victims.

To provide a swab sample, relatives do not need to know the exact location where the person is believed to have been buried. Nor is it necessary for them to have documents on the person’s disappearance. It is important that they have information about the person whom they believe to have been a victim of wartime or post-war violence. During the interview, the main focus will be on gathering details about the person that may assist in their identification, as well as information about the circumstances of their disappearance or death.

The cooperation of relatives will significantly boost our efforts to establish the victims’ identities, notify their relatives and ensure they are given a dignified burial.