# Fatal gunshot trauma of a child: A case from colonial Cyprus

## TL;DR

This paper describes the forensic and archaeological investigation of a 7-year-old child killed by British colonial forces in Cyprus in 1956, leading to the recovery and identification of the remains.

## Contribution

The study highlights a multidisciplinary approach combining archaeology, anthropology, and DNA analysis to identify a child victim of colonial violence.

## Key findings

- Archaeological methods successfully located and recovered the remains of a 7-year-old child.
- Anthropological analysis confirmed the child's age and identified fatal gunshot trauma.
- DNA testing confirmed the identity of the remains, allowing them to be returned to family members.

## Abstract

Forensic science has made some significant contributions to the investigation of human rights abuses related to armed conflicts, especially in the last 40 years. Some investigations are aimed at the collection of evidence in order to prosecute those responsible, while others are humanitarian in nature. This paper presents the multidisciplinary effort to recover and identify the remains of a 7-year-old child who was shot by British colonial forces in Cyprus in 1956. An investigation led to the discovery of the burial site, and archaeological methods were used to recover the remains. The anthropological examination provided information about the age of the child, as well as the nature of the skeletal trauma present. DNA results confirmed the identity of the victim, and the remains were released to the surviving family members for burial.