Documentation of torture and gross human rights violations in crisis situation

In the context of armed conflict, violent crackdown of mass protests, or other emergencies, documentation of torture and related international crimes is a critical tool for accountability. Accurate, timely, and ethically conducted documentation plays a pivotal role in preserving evidence for judicial and fact-finding processes, raising awareness of the international community, and supporting victims’ rights to truth, justice, and reparations. Yet, in crisis situations where access is limited and risks are high, documenting such violations requires specialized methodologies that ensure both the integrity of the information and the safety of all involved.

This webinar seeks to strengthen mechanisms for the effective documentation of torture and related international crimes—such as enforced disappearances, extrajudicial executions, and sexual violence—by sharing best practises of CSO documentation in fragile contexts. It emphasizes the importance of survivor-centered approaches, digital security, and coordination with international accountability bodies. By investing in documentation during crises, the webinar aims to contribute to future transitional justice efforts.

The webinar will introduce:

Best practices of CSO documentation in Ukraine and Burundi, including effective modus operandi, approaches to identifying and engaging with victims, security protocols, core principles for managing and safeguarding evidence, and collaboration with international accountability mechanisms;
Practical recommendation on interviewing techniques to document torture and related war crimes and crimes against humanity, including using the OMCT Guidelines for Interviewing Survivors of Torture and CIDT;
Principles of developing an investigation strategy on the example of the situation in Ukraine;
Key procedural and substantial challenges and potential solutions in documentation of gross human rights violations.

English, Ukrainian, French

Interpretation available: EN / FR / UKR / AR

Speakers

Anastasia Pantielieieva
Head of the International Crimes Documentation Department MIHR
Armel Niyongere
Secretary General SOS Torture Burundi
Eugenia Andreyuk
Co-Head of OMCT-Europe OMCT
Maryia Kvitsinskaya
Human Rights Adviser OMCT
Charlotte Mancini
Human Rights Adviser OMCT