An important side event on "Effective Interviewing and Investigation: Tools and Resources for Enhanced Criminal Justice" was held on the margins of the 33rd session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) on 15 May 2024.
The event, which took place in Vienna, underscored the global focus on strengthening criminal justice processes through improved interviewing and investigative techniques.
A highlight of the event was the launch of the UN Manual on Investigative Interviewing for Criminal Investigation, This innovative manual introduces a practical, ethical and human rights-compliant approach to interviewing victims, witnesses, and suspects. Aimed at UN Police (UNPOL) officers, it is also designed to support police development and capacity-building initiatives across the UN system.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Fanny Aboagye from the Ghana Police Service, while presenting the manual, emphasised the significance of effective interviewing methods in preventing forced confessions. "Planning, preparation, active listening, and building rapport are essential to maintaining dignity, rights, and the presumption of innocence," she stated.
The event also put a spotlight the Méndez Principles on Effective Interviewing for Investigations and Information Gathering. Valentina Cadelo, APT Senior Adviser on Law and Advocacy, stressed the importance of integrating these techniques with strong legal and procedural safeguards, in line with the Méndez Principles. “It is critically important for States to prioritize integrating investigative interviewing techniques alongside robust legal and procedural safeguards throughout the interview process," Ms Cadelo noted.
The UNODC eLearning modules and the CTI Police Resource Toolkit were also presented as vital tools to advance human rights-based policing and assist police, law enforcement, and other criminal justice practitioners.
Anna Giudice, Team Leader, Access to Justice Team at UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), highlighted the UNODC eLearning on Investigative Interviewing, emphasizing the accessibility and comprehensive coverage of these modules. Laura Blanco, Legal Advisor at the Convention against Torture Initiative (CTI), showcased the CTI Police Resource Toolkit, detailing its two new chapters on investigating sexual crimes and independent investigation procedures and oversight mechanisms, and their practical applications for police and law enforcement.
The side-event marked a significant step towards improving criminal justice practices worldwide, demonstrating a collective commitment to upholding justice, human rights, and the rule of law.
As Mr. Brandolino Director, Division of Treaty Affairs, UNODC, stated “The event underscored the variety of resources available to implement effective interviewing in criminal investigations, and shows how a plurality of actors have come together to provide quality material to enhance evidence-based crime prevention strategies."
Background information
The event was hosted by the Permanent Mission of Norway to the International Organisations in Vienna and drew over 70 participants of the 33rd session of the CCPCJ. The event was organized by the Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT), the Convention against Torture Initiative (CTI), the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights (NCHR) of the University of Oslo. It also received support from the Permanent Missions to the UN of Chile, Denmark, Germany, Morocco, and Thailand, along with the UNPOL, UN Department of Peace Operations (DPO), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and the Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ).
Distinguished speakers, including H.E. Ms. Susan Eckey, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Norway to the UN in Vienna, and H.E. Mr. Azzeddine FARHANE, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Morocco to the UN in Vienna, and Mr. John Brandolino, Director, Division of Treaty Affairs, UNODC, opened the event with insightful remarks. Further, a video message by Police Commissioner Faisal Shahkar, United Nations Police Adviser was projected at the event. The panel presentation was moderated by Ms. Zenia Chrysostomidis, Head of International Department at the NCHR.
