Preventing Torture An Operational Guide for National Human Rights Institutions - Updated Edition Chapter 4: Investigating allegations of torture • Internal consistency of a testimony is an important element that can support allegations of torture. Other corroborating information should also be sought. • Medical documentation, as well physical or psychological signs of torture, can provide further evidence of torture. • Formally recording the evidence gathered is crucial. • NHRIs should integrate a gender perspective in each stage of the investigation process. Chapter 5: Interviewing • Interviewing is important for a number of purposes, such as collecting information, assessing its credibility and cross-checking. • It is crucial to prepare for an interview and to be clear about what you hope to achieve. • Interviewing is a delicate task, and a primary goal is to build rapport with the interviewee. Basic principles should be followed in terms of opening the interview, asking open and non-leading questions, closing the interview and respecting confidentiality. • Follow-up is essential, for example by preparing an affidavit or identifying other people to interview. • Interviewing victims of trauma and other persons in situations of vulnerability poses specific challenges; an interviewer needs to be prepared for this and know how to respond appropriately. • Gender-specific considerations should be included during the preparation, conduct and after any interview. Chapter 6: Training public officials • Training public officials is an important way that NHRIs can contribute to the prevention of torture. • NHRIs can be involved in developing and revising training curricula and relevant training material on torture prevention. • NHRIs can develop and deliver training courses, which are based on a needs assessment, contains practical content, involves relevant participants and includes an evaluation. • Gender issues should be included in torture prevention training for public officials. NHRIs can conduct a gender analysis to ensure that trainings are gender-sensitive and work towards gender equality. Chapter 7: Cooperating with international bodies NHRIs can contribute to the effective work of international and regional human rights bodies. They can submit independent and credible information, participate in review procedures follow up on recommendations and contribute to the work of these bodies in developing relevant standards. Interaction with the following mechanisms is important for the prevention of torture and ill-treatment: • United Nations Human Rights Council, in particular the Universal Periodic Review • Treaty bodies, in particular the Committee against Torture • Special procedures, in particular the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture 152