Introduction

Repatriation of human remains is the process whereby human remains are transported from the State where the death occurred to another State for burial, at the request of the next of kin. Repatriating human remains is a complicated process involving the cooperation and coordination of various stakeholders on several levels to ensure that it is conducted efficiently and in compliance with relevant international and national regulations.

Considering requests received by WHO, IATA and ICAO on the air transport of human remains where the cause of death was COVID-19, there is a need to assess the risk of transporting human remains by air and to develop temporary COVID-19-specific guidance material.