Annex 4 Guidelines for the Use of an Interpreter The following points are recommendations to consider when employing an interpreter for the purpose of conducting interviews and examinations of alleged torture victims. We recommend referring to the OHCHR Training Manual on Human Rights Monitoring 24 and the ‘Use of interpreters’ paragraph 150-154 of the Istanbul Protocol25 for further details and guidance on the selection and instruction of interpreters as well as the conduct of interviews with an interpreter. Briefing the interpreter • The interpreter should receive a thorough briefing on the context and the structure of the interview in private, before the interview begins. This is particularly important if the interpreter is not a trained professional. • The interpreter should be offered the possibility of a debriefing/post examination interview. • The interpreter should be aware of and bound by strict confidentiality and ethical guidelines in his/her contract (see below). • The interpreter should be aware of the sensitivity of the information and the potential vulnerability of the examinee, which might influence the conduct of the interview. • The interpreter should be aware of the particular importance to relay questions exactly, word for word to the extent possible, and slowly, one at a time, so as to make sure that the 34 examinee understands them. • The interpreter should be aware that the content of the interview may cause him/her distress, particularly with regard to receiving information on possibly violent or very personal details. • The interpreter should possess the relevant understanding of and sensitivity to the local culture, gender and discrimination issues. Contractual obligations Owing to the sensitivity of the information and the potential vulnerability of the examinee, the interpreter should commit to observing basic ethical standards, i.e. confidentiality, accuracy, impartiality and conflict of interest. These should be explicitly included in the contract to be signed by the interpreter and the requesting party and violations should be regarded as serious breach of contract. • Confidentiality The interpreter should agree that any information received in relation to the task is to be considered strictly confidential. The contract needs to specify whom information can be discussed with and the interpreter should not disclose, publish or otherwise reveal any of the confidential information received from the requesting party to any other party whatsoever. • Accuracy The interpreter should commit to rendering to the best of his/her ability, a complete and accurate translation without adding, altering or omitting anything that is stated.