The article explores the critical role of identification in family reunification for migrants, using six cases from the 2013 Lampedusa shipwreck. The study highlights the challenges faced by families in identifying deceased relatives, which is essential for legal processes such as family reunification and obtaining death certificates. These documents are crucial for establishing legal status, such as orphanhood or widowhood, which in turn affects access to social rights and family reunification. The cases demonstrate that without proper identification, families cannot proceed with legal steps, leading to prolonged delays and obstacles. The study emphasizes the need for improved mechanisms to verify kinship ties, which are often the limiting factor in reunification processes. Genetic analysis and forensic methods were used to identify victims, enabling the issuance of death certificates and facilitating family reunification. However, challenges remain, particularly when identification materials are limited or of low quality. The article also discusses the legal and ethical implications of identification, noting that it is essential for upholding human rights and ensuring the dignity of the deceased. The study underscores the importance of international cooperation and the need for better legal frameworks to support family reunification for migrants. The cases illustrate the complexity of the issue and the necessity for continued efforts to address the challenges faced by families in the context of migration and human rights.The article explores the critical role of identification in family reunification for migrants, using six cases from the 2013 Lampedusa shipwreck. The study highlights the challenges faced by families in identifying deceased relatives, which is essential for legal processes such as family reunification and obtaining death certificates. These documents are crucial for establishing legal status, such as orphanhood or widowhood, which in turn affects access to social rights and family reunification. The cases demonstrate that without proper identification, families cannot proceed with legal steps, leading to prolonged delays and obstacles. The study emphasizes the need for improved mechanisms to verify kinship ties, which are often the limiting factor in reunification processes. Genetic analysis and forensic methods were used to identify victims, enabling the issuance of death certificates and facilitating family reunification. However, challenges remain, particularly when identification materials are limited or of low quality. The article also discusses the legal and ethical implications of identification, noting that it is essential for upholding human rights and ensuring the dignity of the deceased. The study underscores the importance of international cooperation and the need for better legal frameworks to support family reunification for migrants. The cases illustrate the complexity of the issue and the necessity for continued efforts to address the challenges faced by families in the context of migration and human rights.