Méndez Principles: Upholding dignity in the ‘war on terror’

PERSPECTIVES - Bridging voices, inspiring hope

This episode is the fifth in our series on the Méndez Principles on Effective Interviewing: a new approach to prevent torture. The Principles aim to end accusatory, coercive and confession-driven practices during investigations; practices we know can lead to torture and ill-treatment.
In this episode, we are pleased to share with you insights from Fionnuala Ní Aoláin, the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism.
Her mandate is frequently contacted by individuals who have experienced torture and ill treatment in the context of the so-called ‘war on terror’. To address these violations, she advocates consistently with States that national counter-terrorism laws must comply with international law and uphold procedural safeguards and due process in practice.

And that’s why the UN Special Rapporteur supports the Méndez Principles. Because they set out an approach to interviewing and information-gathering that protects fundamental rights, upholds the presumption of innocence and focuses on the pursuit of truth in the investigation of serious crimes, including terrorism.
Find out more about the Méndez Principles: https://www.apt.ch/en/mendez-principles-effective-interviewing