A/69/387 investigations undertaken. Lawyers must assess whether the official investigation undertaken by police or other competent body took into account proper medical evidence or arrangements for independent medical examinations to attest to the victim’s version of the events are needed. Understanding the physical and psychological effects of torture is vital when lawyers interview victims with a view to submitting criminal, civil or administrative claims, as well as when defending a victim of torture who was forced to incriminate him or herself under torture. Failure to raise such issues when there is prima facie evidence of ill-treatment is a breach of professional ethics and competency. Securing the services of experts to examine evidence, to advise counsel and to testify at trial is critical. 6. Protection against harassment 55. Too often the victim’s participation in legal proceedings only generates additional distress for the torture survivor and to witnesses, lawyers and health professionals subjected to threats. Safeguards and mechanisms should be in place to enable victims, health and legal professionals to report allegations and evidence of torture and other ill-treatment in an environment free from any harassment, intimidation or retaliation and in a manner compliant with their duties of confidentiality. Courts are responsible for their protection against any threat or intimidation, since such acts compromise the integrity of the judicial pr ocess as a whole. 33 E. Promoting medical documentation and the application of the Istanbul Protocol 56. To promote the value and use of medical documentation of torture and broaden the level of implementation of the international standards contained in the Istanbul Protocol, a new initiative has been launched. The Istanbul Protocol Plan of Action is spear-headed by civil society organizations (the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims, Physicians for Human Rights, Redress and Human Ri ghts Foundation Turkey). 34 The Special Rapporteur supports this initiative, which seeks formal State recognition of the Istanbul Protocol so that administrative, legislative, judicial and independent human rights authorities adopt and apply the Protocol. 57. In order to ensure independence, efficiency and effectiveness of investigations and to include specialized independent institutions and national and international experts, the Istanbul Protocol refers to an “investigative authority” to investigate torture claims. Some States have specially designated divisions or departments to investigate specific crimes that have contributed to a more efficient and effective investigation. __________________ 33 34 18/23 See the World Medical Association Hamburg Declaration. See www.irct.org/ipactionplan. 14-61535