BackInvestigating allegations of human rights violations is central to the work of nearly every national human rights institution (NHRI) in the Asia Pacific region.
Whether the focus is on resolving individual complaints or uncovering systemic failings, effective human rights investigations uncover the facts of a case and provide a pathway to justice, redress and restitution for victims.
A new resource published by the APF aims to support NHRIs in this challenging work.
Undertaking Effective Investigations: A Manual for National Human Rights Institutions provides a comprehensive overview of the key skills that NHRI investigators require in order to conduct impartial and thorough investigations.
It offers detailed and practical advice on:
- planning an investigation
- organising and conducting interviews
- collecting, preserving and assessing evidence, including digital evidence
- developing recommendations
- report writing.
Conducting robust and effective investigations is a crucial way that NHRIs can demonstrate their independence and effectiveness, said Kieren Fitzpatrick, Director of the APF secretariat
“During the most recent regional training needs assessment of APF member institutions, a number of NHRIs said that developing skills in conducting investigations was a high priority,” he said.
“This Manual is a first step to respond to this need and will be complemented by a blended learning course to provide additional skills and knowledge to support NHRI investigators in their important work.”
Undertaking Effective Investigations was written by Gareth Jones, a former Director of Major Investigations at the Canadian Military Ombudsman’s Office. He was also a member of the Special Investigations Unit of Ontario and has delivered training for investigators in many countries around the world.
The Manual was enriched through case studies, resources and feedback provided by representatives of several APF member institutions, including Australia, India, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, the Philippines and Sri Lanka.
Source: Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions
