Torture, ill-treatment and coercion during interviews/ Universal protocol for non-coercive, ethically sound, evidence-based and empirically founded interviewing practices 2016, para. 60
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A number of due process guarantees and procedural safeguards guaranteeing the right to justice and fair trial, and against arbitrary detention, are critical and inextricably linked to the prevention of torture and ill-treatment during questioning. Article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights provides guarantees against the use of all forms of direct or indirect physical or psychological pressure by authorities against a suspect for the purposes of obtaining a confession. The rights not to be compelled to testify against oneself or to confess guilt and to be guaranteed counsel and legal aid are particularly crucial. Aside from safeguarding the fundamental human rights of individuals, these measures benefit societies generally, by fostering trust in institutions, promoting the reliability of evidence and facilitating the effectiveness of national judicial processes (see A/HRC/WGAD/2012/40). Similarly, safeguards enshrined in article 9 of the Covenant help to prevent torture by reducing opportunities and incentives for mistreatment and coercion during detention.
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Non-negotiated soft law
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Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment