the experts advocate for the increased use of medical evidence and continue to build a body of knowledge on the subject of forensic documentation. For a complete list of the members of the IFEG please visit www.preventingtorture.org Cases To intensify the efforts, the IRCT has facilitated direct medical and psychological support and high quality forensic documentation to some 70 strategically selected torture cases at national and regional courts and tribunals. The intended outcome is much-needed new case law and good practice examples, which can create precedence for the future prosecution of alleged perpetrators and for victims’ access to justice and reparations. The cases have provided clear indications that medical evidence can play a key role in corroborating allegations of torture and securing a successful outcome for the victim, in addition to setting precedent for related cases, including the recognition of medical evidence in future cases. Cases were selected on criteria such as victim profiles and its ability to set wide-reaching precedent and thus impact future torture cases. Cases were also chosen for their wide-ranging character, such as asylum, judicial review, criminal and extradition, in addition to their geographic diversity. IRCT's support on torture cases (2009-2012) Judicial outcome of the IRCT’s support on torture cases Complaint filed: 57% (43 cases) Preparation phase: 28% (22 cases) Judgment: 12% (9 cases) The total number of cases equals 74 (2009 - 2012). Type of support brought by the IRCT to torture cases Use of medical reports in judgements on torture cases supported by the IRCT Medical report submitted to court and used as specific corroborative evidence in the judgement: 56% (5 cases) Medical report not submitted to court but efficiently used for advocacy and strenghtening of legal arguments: 22% (2 cases) Medical report submitted to court but not used as specific reference. However, the report helped build evidenciary basis on the court to rule in favour of the plaintiff: 22% (2 cases) The total number of supported cases which led to a judgement in court equals 9 (2009-2012). Examination and medico-legal report: 86% (65 cases) Evaluation of medical records: 8% (6 cases) IFEG expert statement: 3% (2 cases) Financial support: 3% (2 cases) The total number of cases in this pie chart equals 75 (2009-2012). NB: One intervention consisted of both a medico-legal report and financial support and therefore one case is counted twice. The cases involve the following countries: Afghanistan; Bahrain; Cambodia; Colombia; Denmark; Ecuador; Egypt; Georgia; Germany; Iraq; Israel; Kazakhstan; Lebanon; Mexico; Moldova; Morocco; Peru; The Philippines; Romania; Russia; Rwanda; Saudi Arabia; Somalia; South Africa; Sri Lanka; Syria; Thailand; Turkey; Uganda; The United Kingdom; The United States; Uzbekistan; Venezuela; Zimbabwe. Getting the evidence: Countering torture through medico-legal documentation 9