PART B – International standards in the Istanbul Protocol • • • • • • tors to any information pertinent to the investigation and where there might be a possibility of sources of evidence being overlooked, to ensure that the investigation produces evidence that is admissible in court Submit the victim’s statement as well as the record on the health condition together with the body diagram to the investigative authorities with the consent of the victim Request the authorities to undertake the necessary steps to investigate allegations of torture based on the information provided in the victim’s statement In parallel, if possible, collect and submit any evidence referred to by the victim and submit it to the investigating body Assess the thoroughness of an investigation by checking if investigators have sought all relevant sources of evidence before injuries disappear or witnesses are no longer available, including medical evidence (of both physical and psychological damage) If possible, promptly submit any concerns with the thoroughness of the investigation, such as delays in conducting medical evaluations, in writing and request second medical evaluations if the competence or impartiality of the examining health professional is called into question- Use the record of the health condition and the body diagram to ask for a (second) medical report and, as appropriate, submit it to medical chambers, universities or other institutions for an independent report Challenge any report issued by the investigative mechanism that is not sufficiently comprehensive and • • • • • reasoned, including information on why certain lines of enquiry were pursued and others not and highlighting any irregularities found in the course of the investigation; cite international and national guidelines/rules on collecting evidence and principles on investigations, including the Istanbul Protocol Collect secondary documentation (such as reports of human rights organisations, research studies, press articles) to support a case that an existing investigation is ineffective or that the particular circumstances of the case (e.g. highly political) require an independent investigation or re-investigation of the allegations Intervene with the relevant authorities where public officials (who may or may not have been charged with perpetrating torture but are implicated in the allegations) have not been suspended from their positions during the period of investigation Seek safeguards for health professionals undertaking medical examinations to ensure they have sufficient time and privacy and to avoid any sanctions, in case their examinations confirm that torture was inflicted Develop a database that fully documents all torture-related complaints and investigations using a sound and consistent methodology, and undertake regular reviews and analyses with a view to identifying legislative and institutional shortcomings On the basis of such findings, advocate for requisite legislative, institutional and practical changes, including the setting up of independent complaints mechanisms. 35