Paraguay: procedures to support complaints by children The Paraguayan Children’s and Adolescents’ Code recognises the right of children to personally request any public body or official to take action that is within their competence, and to receive a timely reply. Within the Ombudsman Office, a ‘Department for Children and Adolescents’ has been created to intervene in cases involving the violation of the rights of children. The Department can act as the representative of children and investigate complaints submitted by or on behalf of children and is responsible for overseeing the observance of human rights in legal processes. Rwanda: responding to gender-based violence In 2005, the Rwanda National Police Force put in place mechanisms to better respond to allegations of genderbased violence. A specialised operational office was established at the National Police Headquarters in Kigali and designated ‘Gender-Based Violence Focal Points’ were created in all provinces and district police stations. In addition, motorbikes and other vehicles have been assigned to the initiative to ensure rapid responses to reports of gender-based violence cases and a toll-free hotline was set up to facilitate the reporting of incidents. Police officers have also received training on responding to gender-based violence, including psycho-social counselling. Slovenia: information sheets available in a range of languages In Slovenia the police inform arrested or detained persons of their rights, including how to make a complaint verbally and have also developed an information sheet which is available in 24 languages at police establishments. In addition, a specific information sheet for arrested or detained juveniles has been developed and is also available in several languages. INVESTIGATIONS  Investigations into torture and other ill-treatment help to clarify the facts of an incident and identify suspects and witnesses. Depending on the nature of the investigation, they may also lay the groundwork for criminal prosecutions, and/or disciplinary or other sanctions and for the acknowledgment of any wrongdoing. Investigations can also provide remedies for the victim(s) and identify measures to prevent recurrence. “ Article 12 UNCAT Each State Party shall ensure that its competent authorities proceed to a prompt and impartial investigation, wherever there is reasonable ground to believe that an act of torture has been committed in any territory under its jurisdiction. 24. Stresses that an independent, competent domestic authority must promptly, effectively and impartially investigate all allegations of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, as well as wherever there is reasonable ground to believe that such an act has been committed […]” UNGA resolution A/RES/72/163, Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. 19 December 2017 TOOL: Complaints and investigations 6/17