Principles on the Effective Investigation and Documentation of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment 48. On 4 December 2000, in its resolution 55/89, the General Assembly recommended the Principles on the Effective Investigation and Documentation of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (commonly known as the Istanbul Principles). The Principles outline the necessary procedures States should take in order to ensure that complaints and reports of torture or ill-treatment are promptly and effectively investigated. They detail, among other things, the independence of investigators, the appropriate powers and obligations of the investigative authority, the protection of witnesses and all persons involved in the investigation, the content and scope of written investigative reports, and the role of medical experts in the examination of alleged victims. Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance 49. On 18 December 1992, by its resolution 47/133, the General Assembly proclaimed the Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. The Declaration expresses the international community's concern at this atrocious global phenomenon. The text comprises 21 articles designed to prevent, as crimes against humanity, acts whereby persons are taken into custody with no trace of their fate being left behind. It requires the adoption of effective legislative, administrative, judicial and other measures to prevent and terminate such acts, and specifically provides for a number of such measures. These measures include attention to procedural guarantees, accountability, punishment and redress. Safeguards guaranteeing protection of the rights of those facing the death penalty 50. The safeguards guaranteeing protection of the rights of those facing the death penalty were approved by the Economic and Social Council in May 1984. They limit the types of crimes for which capital punishment may be imposed to the most serious and prohibit the execution of persons who were minors at the time of commission of the crime, as well as of pregnant women, new mothers or the insane. In addition, the safeguards set forth certain procedural guarantees and require that, where capital punishment does occur, it must be carried out in a manner which inflicts the minimum possible suffering. Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials 51. In December 1979, the General Assembly adopted the Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials. The Code is composed of eight fundamental articles, setting forth the specific responsibilities of law enforcement officials with regard to service to the community; protection of human rights; use of force; treatment of confidential information; prohibition of torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; protection of the health of detainees; corruption; and respect for the law and the Code itself. 16