UNCAT Investigation Standards
This section identifies references for the independent psychological, medical and legal evaluation of torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
International Standards
Core International Instruments
- Istanbul Protocol (2022) – United Nations manual on effective investigation and documentation of torture and ill‑treatment.
Medical & Psychological Standards
IAJ Standards and Guides
- IAJ Psychological Investigation Standard – Comprehensive procedural and forensic framework for psychological evidence, trauma‑sensitive interviewing, evaluator ethics, and documentation.
- IAJ Plain‑Language Guide to Psychological Evaluation – Survivor‑accessible explanation of evaluation rights, procedures, and protections.
- IAJ Quick Reference and Intermediate Manual – Guide to the standard and Quick Reference for evaluation rights, procedures, and protections.
PHR - Physicians for Human Rights
- PHR – Clinical Evaluations in Conflict Settings – Field‑ready guidance for clinicians conducting Istanbul Protocol evaluations in conflict settings.
- PHR – Istanbul Protocol Resource Hub – Central hub for Istanbul Protocol resources, clinical guidance, and training materials.
- PHR – Module 6: Psychological Evidence of Torture – Training curriculum for clinicians on psychological evaluation and documentation of torture.
- PHR – Strengthening Forensic Documentation of Torture – Guide to strengthening forensic documentation methodologies.
IRCT – International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims
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IRCT Istanbul Protocol Programme
– Global hub for evaluator training, implementation tools, and clinical/psychological documentation guidance.
Complements: IAJ Psychological Investigation Standard; IAJ Plain‑Language Guide; Istanbul Protocol chapters II, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII(D). -
Global Standards on Rehabilitation
– Authoritative clinical standards for trauma‑informed psychological assessment and multidisciplinary rehabilitation.
Complements: IAJ Psychological Investigation Standard; PHR Clinical Evaluations; PHR Medical Curriculum. -
IRCT Justice and Accountability
– Resources on forensic documentation, strategic litigation, and accountability mechanisms.
Complements: IAJ Psychological Investigation Standard; Practical Application of the Istanbul Protocol. -
Survivor Engagement Framework
– Trauma‑informed, culturally sensitive, rights‑respecting principles for clinical and psychological work with survivors.
Complements: IAJ Plain‑Language Guide; IAJ Psychological Investigation Standard (consent, interviewing, ethics). -
IRCT E‑Learning and Training
– Training modules for clinicians and forensic experts on Istanbul Protocol implementation and survivor‑centred practice.
Complements: Practical Application of the Istanbul Protocol; IAJ Psychological Investigation Standard.
IFEG – International Forensic Expert Group
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International Forensic Expert Group (IFEG)
– Global network of 42 independent forensic experts from 23 countries supporting high‑quality medical and psychological documentation of torture.
Complements: IAJ Psychological Investigation Standard; Istanbul Protocol forensic methodology. -
IFEG Brochure and Expert Statements
– Authoritative statements on forensic evaluations, psychological torture, solitary confinement, medical records access, and related practices.
Complements: IAJ Psychological Investigation Standard (psychological evidence); PHR Clinical Evaluations. -
IFEG Contributions to the Istanbul Protocol
– Forensic and psychological expertise embedded in the Istanbul Protocol, including the 2022 revision.
Complements: All Istanbul Protocol chapter citations; IAJ Psychological Investigation Standard.
Legal Standards
Practical application of the Istanbul Protocol
IAJ Legal investigation standard for torture, and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment in the United States of America
IAJ "equivalence" investigation in the USA: domestic legal mechanisms versus self-execution of the Convention Against Torture
Tribunal Standards
This section presents Tribunal rulings and model accommodations to guide courts in ensuring access to justice, per the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and human rights treaties, with particular focus on the UNCAT and the CRPD.
Accommodation Request Investigation Process
- Submit Request: Litigants or courts may submit accommodation requests through the secure portal after creating an account.
- Documentation Review: The Tribunal reviews all medical documentation and case specifics.
- Assessment: Tribunal advisors assess the case against established standards and international human rights frameworks.
- Ruling: A formal model ruling is issued, specifying the required accommodations and their legal basis.
- Implementation: Courts that have agreed to cooperate with the Tribunal on conforming with the model standards receive specific instructions for implementing the accommodations.
Note: All accommodation decisions may be used as model decisions and shall be based on international human rights standards, particularly the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the UN Convention Against Torture (UNCAT).
Need but did not receive Court Accommodations?
If you require accommodations for court proceedings based on disability, illness, or other qualifying conditions, and did not receive accommodations, our tribunal provides model rulings grounded in international human rights law and constitutional protections.