Interpol's Operation Identify Me: Addressing Unidentified Femicide Victims in Europe

The case of Rita Roberts, whose body was discovered in Antwerp in June 1992, underscores a significant issue: the crisis of unidentified deaths among women across Europe. Roberts, believed to have been murdered, remained nameless for nearly three decades until her family recognized her distinctive tattoo through an international appeal initiated by Interpol. This case is emblematic of a larger problem, as thousands of unidentified bodies are found each year in Europe, complicating investigations into suspected murders. According to Susan Hitchin, head of the forensic DNA unit at Interpol, the 47 cases currently under investigation represent only a fraction of the total number of unidentified women, many of whom are likely victims of femicide.

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In 2023, Interpol launched Operation Identify Me to address these cold cases by publishing details of unidentified women who have died under suspicious circumstances. This initiative aims to locate family members and revive stalled investigations. However, Hitchin expresses frustration over the lack of participation from various countries in reopening cold cases and sharing data. She notes that many unidentified victims are socially marginalized, often migrants or individuals disconnected from their families, making them particularly vulnerable to becoming victims of violence.

The Guardian

The case of Angelique Hendrix, who was reported missing in 1990, illustrates the challenges faced in cross-border investigations. Her remains were found in 1991, but due to legal restrictions on data sharing between Belgium and the Netherlands, her family remained unaware of her fate until decades later. Such barriers hinder the identification of victims and the resolution of cases, emphasizing the need for improved international cooperation.

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The plight of unidentified women is not just a matter of statistics; it reflects broader societal issues. Raphaël Prieur, head of the Paris criminal investigation department, highlights that many victims are socially excluded and poorly integrated, which complicates their identification. The recent case of a young woman found in Saint-Denis, whose remains were discovered in 2021, exemplifies this issue. Despite being of African descent and believed to be around 20 years old, she remains unidentified, with no missing persons reports to aid in her identification.

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Hitchin emphasizes the importance of acknowledging these victims, stating, “We want to give them back that dignity, even in death.” The ongoing efforts of Interpol aim not only to solve individual cases but also to send a societal message that all lives are valuable, regardless of their circumstances.

The Guardian

Susan Hitchin has expressed her frustration regarding the lack of systematic data sharing among countries, stating, “When we hear from Rita Roberts’ family what it means to people, knowing that someone’s looking for their loved one, it brings back the frustrations about why more countries aren’t participating.” Meanwhile, Prieur notes the importance of caring for marginalized individuals, emphasizing that “these cases tend to be people who are socially excluded, poorly integrated, and who lived in isolation.”

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• “It’s one of those [messages] that sends a shiver down your spine, because you can see it’s credible information – not just people trying to be helpful,” — Susan Hitchin, Interpol Forensic DNA Unit

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• “Sadly, this [the killing of women by men] is not going away, but what we can do is send out a message to society that we do care, that all lives are valuable and we will do what we can to acknowledge these women, even if they have become marginalised and fallen through the cracks in society.” — Susan Hitchin, Interpol Forensic DNA Unit

The Guardian

• “Someone who has friends and family will inevitably be reported missing,” — Raphaël Prieur, Paris Criminal Investigation Department

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As Operation Identify Me continues, Interpol aims to enhance international collaboration in identifying victims and addressing the broader issue of femicide. The initiative seeks to encourage countries to participate actively in data sharing and to reopen cold cases, ultimately striving to give names and dignity back to those who have been forgotten.

The Guardian