“12. The Committee emphasizes that the obligation of States parties to provide the means for ‘as full rehabilitation as possible’ refers to the need to restore and repair the harm suffered by a victim whose life situation, including dignity, health and self-sufficiency may never be fully recovered as a result of the pervasive effect of torture. The obligation does not relate to the available resources of States parties and may not be postponed.” “13. In order to fulfil its obligations to provide a victim of torture or ill-treatment with the means for as full rehabilitation as possible, each State party should adopt a long-term, integrated approach and ensure that specialist services for victims of torture or ill-treatment are available, appropriate and readily accessible. These should include: a procedure for the assessment and evaluation of individuals’ therapeutic and other needs, based on, inter alia, the Manual on the Effective Investigation and Documentation of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (The Istanbul Protocol); and may include a wide range of inter-disciplinary measures, such as medical, physical and psychological rehabilitative services; re-integrative and social services; community and family-oriented assistance and services; vocational training; education etc. A holistic approach to rehabilitation which also takes into consideration the strength and resilience of the victim is of utmost importance. Furthermore, victims may be at risk of re-traumatisation and have a valid fear of acts which remind them of the torture or ill-treatment they have endured. Consequently, a high priority should be placed on the need to create a context of confidence and trust in which assistance can be provided. Confidential services should be provided as required.” “14. The requirement in the Convention to provide these forms of rehabilitative services does not extinguish the need to provide medical and psychosocial services for victims in the direct aftermath of torture, nor does such initial care represent the fulfilment of the obligation to provide the means for as full rehabilitation as possible.” “15. States parties shall ensure that effective rehabilitation services and programmes are established in the State, taking into account a victim’s culture, personality, history and background and are accessible to all victims without discrimination and regardless of a victim’s identity or status within a marginalized or vulnerable group, as illustrated in paragraph 32, including asylum seekers and refugees. States parties’ legislation should establish concrete mechanisms and programmes for providing rehabilitation to victims of torture or ill-treatment. Torture victims should be provided access to rehabilitation programmes as soon as possible following an assessment by qualified independent medical professionals.” Access to rehabilitation programmes should not depend on the victim pursuing judicial remedies. The obligation in article 14 to provide for the means for as full rehabilitation as possible can be fulfilled through the direct provision of rehabilitative services by the State, or through the funding of private medical, legal and other facilities, including those administered by non-governmental organizations (NGOs), in which case the State shall ensure that no reprisals or intimidation are directed at them. The victim’s participation in the selection of the service provider is essential. Services should be available in relevant languages. States parties are encouraged to establish systems for assessing the effective implementation of rehabilitation programmes and services, including by using appropriate indicators and benchmarks.” 8