Part II: Preventing torture: NHRIs in action As the interview progresses, you may need to ask some closed questions to clarify or confirm certain information. The interviewer also has to be careful not to coach the interviewee by suggesting answers to questions or lines of evidence. The art of listening is crucial to conducting effective interviews. The following principles provide a useful guide when interviewing victims of torture: • let the interviewee narrate his or her story. They know what they want to say. Do not dominate the conversation and do not talk too much yourself ��� listen to the person. Good listening means hearing what the interviewee is actually saying, not what you think they are saying • ask questions that respond to what the person is telling you. Do not simply move through a set list of questions and ignore what you are being told • be sensitive to how the interviewee feels about the information they are sharing with you and be sensitive to non-verbal signs, such as body language, without being patronizing • allow moments of silence in the interview and be patient – do not rush the person • be aware of your own body language • maintain a friendly, polite and sympathetic attitude towards the interviewee • be sensitive to cultural differences in questioning and being questioned. Even if you want to probe for information – or if you do not believe the story you are being told – it is important to respect the interviewee and allow them to tell their story in their own words and at their own pace, avoiding interrupting them. The presence of an additional person at the interview can be considered, although this should be done with the agreement of the interviewee. This person can confirm that the interview was freely given, and that the interviewee was not subjected to any pressure from the interviewer. They can help monitor the level of stress of the interviewee and assess whether there is a need to take a break or to postpone the interview to a later time. This person can also take notes of the interview, allowing the interviewer to concentrate solely on the interview and building rapport with the interviewee. Closing the interview It is advisable to collect standard information about the person – such as name, address, occupation, ethnicity and age – at the end of the interview. This overcomes the risk that the interview begins like an interrogation. Before closing the interview, you should clearly explain what will happen next and what you will do with the information you have recorded. You should check that the interviewee has understood this. It is also essential to clarify whether the information was given anonymously or whether the interviewee is willing to consent to the use of the information and his or her name. It is important to close the interview with an open question, such as “Do you have anything else to add?” This reminds the interviewee that it is their last chance to speak and it may prompt additional important information. The interviewer should also establish a process for keeping in contact with the interviewee, either by telephone or through a reliable contact. The interviewee should know how to contact the NHRI – quickly and at any time – in the event of threats or reprisal or in order to provide additional information. 71