Role of forensic and medical sciences in the investigation prevention torture and other ill-treatment 2014, para. 20
Paragraph- Paragraph text
- During fact-finding missions, the Special Rapporteur has observed that States are reluctant to carry out criminal investigations into torture allegations and accurate statistics on the incidence of torture are difficult to obtain. The lack of investigation, together with the lack of accountability, perpetuates the practice of torture and other ill-treatment. Scientific evidence obtained by thorough, impartial and independent forensic evaluations assists States to comply with their obligation systematically to 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. This report is about forensic "medical" science and its value in fulfilling the obligations attached to the prohibition of torture in international law. The Special Rapporteur is aware that forensic science encompasses also other disciplines and technologies and methods, such as ballistics, graphology, crime scene investigations, among others. Several of those other forensic sciences can also aid in the investigation and prevention of torture and its redress; medical forensics, however, are both central to the effective application of the international law on torture and sorely lacking or neglected in many parts of the world. Enhancement of all forensic capabilities - but especially legal medicine - would result in much better and more humane ways to fight crime of any sort, and would go a long way to abolishing torture. The focus of this report is to urge improvements in the quality of investigations through effective documentation of evidence of torture, to establish standards for the effective use of expert forensic evidence in legal investigations, including procedural safeguards, and to urge sharing of scientific knowledge and technological advances.
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Means of adoption
- N.A.
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- All
- N.A.
- Year
- 2014
- Paragraph type
- Other
- Paragraph number
- 20
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