HBKU Explores Genetic Fingerprinting in Parentage Verification. Doha, Qatar – In a thought-provoking and timely event, Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Islamic Studies (CIS) held a conference titled “The Role of Genetic Fingerprinting in Contemporary Society 2024”.
This two-day conference, held on October 2 and 3 at Minaretein, Education City, brought together leading legal scholars, jurists, and academics to explore the crucial issues surrounding parentage verification and the protection of children’s rights. The event focused on the topic of proving or denying children’s lineage, examining it through jurisprudential, societal, and legal lenses.
Keynote Speech and Themes of the Conference
The keynote address was delivered by His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Thaqeel Al Shammari, Vice President of the Supreme Judiciary Council (SJC) and Judge on the Court of Cassation in the State of Qatar. In his speech, Sheikh Dr. Al Shammari highlighted the significance of gathering expert knowledge to create a robust platform for discussion and analysis of contemporary issues such as genetic fingerprinting in parentage disputes.
He emphasized the need for ongoing dialogues within academic and legal communities to provide clearer guidance on complex matters affecting families and societies.
Held under the theme “The Study of Negating or Confirming Parentage from Jurisprudential, Societal, and Legal Perspectives,” the conference provided an in-depth exploration of the role of genetic fingerprinting in modern legal systems. The event included discussions on a range of pertinent topics, including the regulation of parentage verification for newborns and the rights of children.
One of the key points addressed was the growing reliance on genetic technology in verifying or denying a child’s lineage, a practice that is becoming increasingly common within legal systems across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Attendees explored the implications of this technological advancement, comparing best practices and legal precedents from across the region to assess its validity within Islamic jurisprudence and modern legal frameworks.
HBKU Explores Genetic Fingerprinting in Parentage Verification
Genetic fingerprinting, which involves using DNA analysis to establish familial relationships, has had a significant impact on legal processes related to parentage verification. The conference discussions revolved around how this tool has become essential in cases of disputed lineage, and how legal systems have adapted to incorporate its findings into family law rulings. While genetic fingerprinting provides highly accurate results, the conference explored how its use intersects with Islamic jurisprudence, as well as how it fits into broader societal and legal contexts in the MENA region.
The issue of protecting children’s rights was a key focus, as genetic fingerprinting is often used to confirm or deny paternity, thereby influencing custody battles, inheritance rights, and legal recognition. As such, the conference placed significant importance on discussing how best to protect the interests of the child while balancing the ethical and legal considerations of the parents involved.
Comparative Legal Perspectives from the MENA Region
One of the main takeaways from the conference was the comparative analysis of how genetic fingerprinting is applied in legal systems across the MENA region. Experts from various countries presented case studies and examples that highlighted both the challenges and successes of integrating this modern technology into traditional legal frameworks.
The discussions delved into how different legal systems handle the confirmation or denial of parentage, particularly when it comes to aligning Sharia law with technological advancements in the field of genetics. These comparisons provided valuable insights for attendees, including legal practitioners, academics, and policymakers, as they consider how to apply best practices in their respective jurisdictions.
Building Capacity Among Legal Practitioners
Commenting on the importance of the event, Dr. Recep Şentürk, Dean of HBKU’s College of Islamic Studies (CIS), stated: “By connecting Islamic thought with the dynamic practice of law throughout the MENA region, our multidisciplinary discourse helped to facilitate expertise and build capacity among legal practitioners to address an issue of great importance to our communities. It demonstrated our commitment to contributing to the intellectual debate and constructive dialogue on Islam in a global context.”
Dr. Şentürk’s remarks emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of the conference, which sought to bring together Islamic scholars, legal professionals, and academics to exchange ideas and strategies for addressing the challenges posed by genetic fingerprinting in parentage verification. The event played a critical role in advancing knowledge and fostering dialogue among legal experts from diverse backgrounds, ultimately contributing to the growing body of research and practice on this crucial issue.
Conclusion
HBKU’s College of Islamic Studies (CIS) has taken a significant step forward in leading the conversation on the role of genetic fingerprinting in modern society. The “Role of Genetic Fingerprinting in Contemporary Society 2024” conference not only provided a platform for exploring the intersection of technology, jurisprudence, and societal values but also highlighted the importance of protecting children’s rights and ensuring legal processes are fair and just.
As technology continues to shape modern legal practices, events like this are essential in fostering dialogue, developing best practices, and ensuring that advances in science are integrated thoughtfully into legal systems. The comparative insights from across the MENA region, combined with discussions on Islamic jurisprudence, have opened the door for further research and collaboration, ensuring that Qatar and the broader region remain at the forefront of this evolving field.
In conclusion, the conference reaffirmed the necessity of interdisciplinary approaches to tackling complex issues like parentage verification, and it emphasized the role that genetic fingerprinting can play in ensuring fairness and justice within the legal system, while also safeguarding the rights and dignity of children and families.