Summary

The report focuses on mass graves, highlighting the multitude of sites of mass killings and unlawful death across history and the world. The Special Rapporteur presents some of the complex normative and practical issues raised by the existence of mass graves and identifies the range of stakeholders and claims in relation to their care and management. The report offers a preliminary compendium of human rights standards and possible steps towards the respectful and lawful handling of mass graves. The Special Rapporteur calls upon States with burial sites and the international community to uphold the many rights associated with their existence.