Da esperança à identificação: banco de perfis genéticos e a mobilização nacional na busca de pessoas desaparecidas

Abstract

In Brazil, the number of missing persons cases has been increasing significantly, while the rate of solved cases remains below social demand. This is a complex phenomenon, influenced by multiple factors and often marked by unknown causes. In this context, forensic genetics, particularly through the use of DNA profile databases, represents a key advancement in solving both voluntary and involuntary disappearances. This study is based on the selection of scientific articles and official reports aligned with the proposed objectives, using as criteria the documents made available by the Ministry of Justice and Public Security between 2015 and 2025, as well as studies addressing the use of DNA testing for human identification, genetic profile databases, and the collection of biological samples. In recent decades, several countries have implemented computerized systems not only to solve crimes but also to identify missing persons. In Brazil, the National DNA Database and the Integrated Network of Genetic Profile Databases have become central tools in investigations by enabling the storage, sharing, and automated comparison of DNA profiles. Alongside this methodology, public and private campaigns have emerged to strengthen the inclusion of genetic profiles in these databases, producing numerous positive outcomes. By integrating science and human rights, Brazil is advancing the development of more effective methods for human identification, reinforcing concern for the rights of missing persons and offering families the possibility of closing painful chapters of uncertainty