Preventing Torture An Operational Guide for National Human Rights Institutions Chapter 4: Investigating allegations of torture Key questions • What type of information helps assess the credibility of a victim’s testimony? • What other type of information should be collected when investigating allegations of torture? • How should information about allegations of torture be recorded? Legal basis for NHRI involvement Paris Principles Methods of operation Within the framework of its operation, the national institution shall: a) Hear any person and obtain any information and any documents necessary for assessing situations falling within its competence Additional principles concerning the status of commissions with quasi-jurisdictional competence A national institution may be authorized to hear and consider complaints and petitions concerning individual situations. Cases may be brought before it by individuals, their representatives, third parties, non-governmental organizations, associations of trade unions or any other representative organizations. Introduction Investigating and documenting allegations of torture is critical in any strategy to prevent torture. NHRIs should investigate and document any complaints they receive from victims of their relatives, as well as initiate their own investigations if they believe that torture or ill-treatment may be occurring in certain places of detention. It is important to note that victims of torture can suffer serious physical and psychological damage. As a result, they may be reluctant to talk about their experience. 1. Collecting information When a person claims to be victim of torture, it is important to collect all possible information that might help support the allegation. 36 | Chapter 4: Investigating allegations of torture