What is an independent human rights investigation?
The UN defines it as “impartial, objective, and unbiased inquiries conducted by neutral experts or organizations to examine allegations of human rights abuses. Their primary goal is to establish factual records, collect credible evidence, promote accountability, and seek justice for victims without political interference.”
Who are the investigators?
International organisations
Academic institutions
Non-governmental organisations
Investigative journalists (individuals and institutions)
Human rights defenders
Environmental defenders
National human rights commissions and institutes
Human rights lawyers, forensic experts, auditors, etc etc..
Human rights investigations “help identify perpetrators and protect victims, or contribute to establish both a chain of accountability and vehicles to deliver justice and redress to the victims. They aim at influencing positive change in laws and practice. They draw attention to serious violations and accountability gaps, and help mobilize action nationally and internationally to grant justice to victims. The ultimate goal of this and other human rights work is preventing abuses or, at a minimum, mitigating and stopping violations when they do occur. “
Navi Pillay, former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and former judge at the International Criminal Court
Four basic principles for independent investigations, according to the International Criminal Court:
Principles that can guide you in your independent investigative work
Impartiality: Investigators remain unbiased, excluding anyone implicated in the case, and they weigh both incriminating and exculpating evidence equally
Independence: The investigating body operates free from the control or influence of the state, government, or institutions it is tasked to oversee
Evidence Gathering: Investigators systematically collect testimonies from victims and witnesses, analyze forensic material, and document events to international legal standards
Accountability: The objective is to identify perpetrators, document root causes, and prepare findings that can support future legal proceedings or policy reforms