Ethical Codes, Cultural Relativism and Confidentiality socialise with the examinee or his or her associates, nor shall they accept gifts as this may raise doubts about the credibility of the experts and of the medical opinion provided. Any contact with the legal representatives of the examinee and other stakeholders should be assessed on a case by case basis. f. Cultural relativism and respect Beliefs that seem self-evident and ‘natural’ in one culture may be regarded as strange in another.14 Cultural differences between the team members and the alleged torture victim may cause communication problems and lead to misunderstandings. It is important not to fall into the trap of ethnocentrism, ‘viewing other peoples and ways of life in terms of one’s own cultural assumptions, customs and values’, although human rights standards such as the prohibition of torture are universal. The local partners should be asked for guidance on ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’ prior to the examination. Each member of the team must receive a proper briefing on the cultural context, 16 and on the behaviours expected of the team members during the mission (see also 4a). Sometimes, particularly when the examinee belongs to a specific ethnic group, it may be helpful to consult an anthropologist or expert in that particular culture to advise on cultural behaviour, typical maladies, beliefs, and ways to express feelings and emotions. Chapter notes 9. http://www2.ohchr.org/english/about/ publications/docs/8rev1.pdf, page 11 10. http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Publications/ training7part59en.pdf 11. http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/ Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/ PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_103643 Reference guide to consent for examination or treatment, second edition 2009 12. http://www.wma.net/ en/30publications/10policies/l4/index.html 13. http://www2.ohchr.org/english/about/ publications/docs/8rev1.pdf 14. Hardon et al. Applied Health Research: Anthropology of Health and Healthcare, Het Spinhuis, revised edition, 1 March, 2005.