IRCT REGIONAL REPORT 2016 Methodology This report is based on information collected by nine IRCT member centres in the EU. It details the experiences of member centres regarding how individual EU countries receive, process and support torture victims among asylum seekers. The information collected was structured on the basis of key Member State obligations contained in the Asylum Procedures Directive and the Reception Conditions Directive. These are: • Identification of torture victims • Special guarantees for torture victims in asylum procedures • Adequate standards of living • Treatment and healthcare for torture victims The report exclusively examines the situation of torture victims, which is the main group serviced by all participating IRCT members. The objective of this report is to inform policy decisions at the EU, National and Sub-national level, and to promote improved standards in asylum procedures and reception conditions to guarantee the wellbeing of torture victims. To that end, this report will: 1. Examine IRCT members’ experience with treatment of torture victims in asylum procedures and to assess their material reception conditions. 2. Examine whether, the experience of IRCT members, the provisions for torture victims in the two directives are properly implemented. 3. Examine whether the provisions for torture victims in the two directives are adequate to meet the needs of torture victims. • Access to medico-legal documentation of torture claims note The International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT) is the world’s largest membership organisation that supports the health-based rehabilitation of torture victims. With 153 independent organisations in 76 countries, the IRCT’s members are the focal point for the work of the organisation. Member centres provide expert knowledge and experience of working with torture victims in diverse environments. IRCT member centres in the EU work to ensure that torture victims have access to individually tailored and health-based rehabilitation services. To that end, they offer a range of holistic services including medical, psychological, legal and social support to torture victims. page 8