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Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law

Forensics

Forensic science has a key role to play regarding the obligation of States to investigate and prosecute allegations of torture or other ill-treatment, especially with regard to individual responsibility and the fight against impunity. Scientific evidence obtained by thorough, impartial and independent forensic evaluations assists States to comply with their obligation to systematically investigate, prosecute and punish each incident of torture, and plays a major role in preventing future acts of torture by fighting impunity and holding perpetrators accountable.

In order to effectively aid in the fight against impunity, forensic services must be independent from law enforcement bodies; and investigations into allegations of torture and other ill-treatment must be prompt, impartial, independent, thorough, and comply with the high standards set out in the Istanbul Protocol.

EVEnts & speaking engagements

June 26, 2016: Talk/Recording at Barcelona Medical College.聽Professor Mendez聽highlighted important findings from his thematic report on forensics, the importance of the Istanbul Protocol, and the need to train and equip forensic experts to help in the fight against impunity for acts of torture.

October 2, 2015: An International Perspective on Developments Relating to the Treatment of Medical Evidence in Torture Cases.聽Professor Mendez gave an address at the 鈥楥onference on 鈥淧roving鈥 Torture: an ever-rising bar for medical evidence?鈥 The Conference was organized by Freedom from Torture and held in London, United Kingdom. Professor M茅ndez spoke about the experience of survivors in the asylum and torture context, about breaking the cycle of impunity, the need for qualified and properly trained forensic doctors, the necessity of having independent forensic services, burdens of proof, and non-refoulement.

October 22, 2014: The Role of Forensic and Medical Sciences in the Investigation and Prevention of Torture and other Ill-Treatment.聽Side Event at the UN General Assembly鈥檚 69th Session. The side event sensitized member states to the important role played by forensic science in the fight against torture and ill-treatment, and to ways in which states can contribute to supporting improvements in the quality of investigations by effectively documenting torture in full compliance with the standards contained in the Istanbul Protocol. The event also highlighted the importance of establishing standards for the effective use of expert forensic evidence in legal investigations, including procedural safeguards, and of sharing scientific knowledge and technological advances.

October 21, 2014: Presentation of the thematic report on the role played by forensic and medical sciences in the investigation and prevention of torture and other ill-treatment before the UN General Assembly

RESOURCES