When getting the name of the AP, try to get their first name, their father’s first
name and their family name. Otherwise, try to get as many details as possible to
identify him or her, such as city of origin, physical description, place of residence,
previously held positions.
Recall that we are seeking those reasonably believed to be involved in:
• perpetrating violations themselves (direct perpetrator); or giving orders to
others to commit crimes or violations; and
• commanding units involved in violations and international crimes (command
responsibility).
Try and note down things that the interviewee told you were said by the AP –
quotations. Especially helpful are statements that indicate knowledge of human
rights or international humanitarian law violations, orders conveyed or received,
disciplinary measures taken or not taken (and similar statements evincing “effective
control” or lack thereof).
Military and security officers may have been promoted, transferred or dismissed
during the period under review. Whenever investigators meet new defectors/
insiders, therefore, they should get the latest updates on the leadership of the
army units and security services in which the interviewees served.
If the investigator is not familiar with [foreign language] terminology and its
equivalent English translation, it is preferable for ranks and unit levels to be
written in their [foreign language] names but using the Latin alphabet. Ask the
interpreters to provide the [foreign language] name as stated by the interviewee.
4. Information on APs from non-State actors (NSAs)
Always ask about the involvement of NSA elements in human rights or international
humanitarian law violations, including names, location and date of incident,
name of groups and affiliation.
Always attempt to learn about the NSA’s affiliation, whether local or to a broader
organization/group. Bear in mind that groups may have similar-sounding, or
even the same, names even though they operate in different areas. Always check,
therefore, about the group’s area of activities and leadership.
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ATTRIBUTING INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY
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