Introduction has been applied in legal proceedings in national and regional courts. The principles it contains have been endorsed and promoted by the UN and other key human rights bodies (please see Annex 1 on p. 78). This book is primarily intended for health and legal professionals who work with or are likely to come into contact with torture survivors, but anyone with an interest in the question of torture will find useful insights. The relatively short articles provide an array of illuminating and readable perspectives on different aspects of a complicated subject. Together they comprise an excellent introduction to the many challenges and opportunities associated with the task of establishing medical evidence in cases of alleged torture. The book is divided into two main sections. The first discusses the status and role of the Istanbul Protocol and outlines key observations and challenges that must be taken into account in the process of documenting cases of alleged torture. The authors emphasise the role that the medical and legal professions play in the investigation and documentation of torture cases as well as the crucial need for medical and legal professionals to collaborate closely in the process. The second section comprises hands-on perspectives from nine countries where the IRCT has facilitated training of hundreds of health and legal professionals in the context of a multi-year project to further the documentation of torture cases according to the principles contained in the Istanbul Protocol. Each of these countries is characterised by different challenges and opportunities. But they all share the basic trait that courageous persons are working – often at great risk – to counter the scourges of torture and impunity and to ensure safety and justice for their fellow citizens. Their efforts are invaluable. It is my hope that what you’re about to read will motivate and aid you to join their quest for ending impunity and supporting torture survivors and their families to rebuild their lives. The challenges are great, but the goal is greater yet: each time a perpetrator is held accountable, each time a survivor’s quest for reparations succeeds, we take another step toward a world without torture. Brita Sydhoff Secretary-General, International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims 9