To state authorities: National asylum legislation should make reference to the early identification of victims of torture and use of MLRs Key recommendations Member centre, Country • The identification of VoTs on arrival is important. At present, if a FAVL, Armenia person claims to be a VoT, he/she can apply for a medical examination and present the examination results during the asylum procedure. However, the role of MLRs needs to be outlined in the asylum procedure. • A provision in the national asylum law should be included about ACET, Bulgaria identification, care and treatment of VoTs. • Legislation is needed that places a clear obligation on the state to Swedish Red Cross, provide access to MLRs. Malmö, Sweden Introduce mechanisms for the early identification of victims of torture Key recommendations Member centre, Country • Capacity development for all actors in reception and asylum pro- RCT, Croatia cedures is needed, especially regarding the early identification and documenting of torture, e.g. by border police, detention staff, asylum decision-makers and organisations providing psychosocial support. • Mechanisms for the early identification of VoTs at the beginning of MFH Bochum, the asylum procedure should be introduced. Medical and psycho- Germany logical screening and access to MLRs is required and should be introduced in all federal states. • Early identification will facilitate early access to legal advice for VoTs. SPIRASI, Ireland • Early identification will facilitate the referral of VoTs for further ex- RvA NL, the Netherlands amination and medical documentation through MLRs. More recognition of the special position of VoTs, including early detection, legal assistance and, if necessary, medico-psychological treatment and rehabilitation is needed. 76 / Recognising victims of torture in national asylum procedures