How to investigate cases of torture? by IRCT

[Robin Yan]

The Istanbul Protocol is the first set of internationally recognised guidelines for medical and legal experts on how to determine whether a person has been tortured and how to establish independent valid evidence that can be used in court against alleged torturers. Since its inception the Protocol has become a crucial instrument in the global effort to eradicate torture.
One of the main obstacles in the struggle against torture is insufficient evidence in cases against alleged perpetrators. Most cases do not lead to justice for the torture survivor because the scars on his or her body and mind have not been appropriately documented by doctors or used by lawyers in legal proceedings. Torturers are rarely held responsible for their crimes.
Manual on the Effective Investigation and Documentation of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, known as the Istanbul Protocol. The Protocol outlines detailed, practical procedures for medical and legal experts on how to identify and document symptoms of torture in such a way that the findings can be used as evidence in court cases against torturers.
In response to this problem, 75 experts from 40 organisations in 15 countries developed the The Istanbul Protocol enables medical experts to:
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Gather relevant, accurate, and reliable evidence on torture allegations
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Reach conclusions on the consistency and the degree of support between the torture allegations and the medical findings
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Produce high-quality medical reports for submission to judicial and administrative bodies
The Istanbul Protocol enables legal experts to:
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Obtain relevant, accurate, and reliable statements from torture victims and witnesses
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Recover and preserve evidence related to the alleged torture which will aid in the prosecution of those responsible
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Determine how, when and where the alleged incidents of torture occurred
For nearly a decade, the IRCT has been working to promote states’ endorsement and implementation of the Protocol. More information can be found at www.preventingtorture.orgFor org or by writing to Susanne Kjær at [e-mail].
The International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT) is an independent, international health professional organisation that promotes and supports the rehabilitation of torture victims and works for the prevention of torture worldwide. Based in Denmark, the IRCT works in collaboration with a global network of more than 140 torture rehabilitation centres and programmes worldwide. The IRCT also works in partnership with governments, human rights organisations, health professional organisations and intergovernmental organisations.
The International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT)
Borgergade 13 • P.O. Box 9049 • DK-1022 Copenhagen K • Denmark
Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone] • E-mail: [e-mail]