ABSTRACT
Torture is one of the most serious violations of fundamental human rights and is prohibited in international human rights and humanitarian law in all circumstances. Despite the absolute prohibition of torture in international law, it is still believed to be practiced in more than 100 countries around the world. The Manual on Effective Investigation and Documentation of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment outlines international, legal standards on protection against torture and sets out specific guidelines on how effective legal and medical investigations into allegations of torture should be conducted. The clinical examination to detect physical evidence of torture follows a systematic pattern broadly recognisable to most healthcare professionals, namely history, examination, diagnosis, interpretation and management. Only those relevant elements of the assessment need to be undertaken but it is essential that any practitioner undertaking the assessment is familiar with the nature, and effects, of different types of torture.
