Workshop introducing the Istanbul Protocol: Vietnam's practical step in implementing the Convention Against Torture
WVR - On January 23, in Gia Lai province, the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) organized the international workshop “Introduction to the Istanbul Protocol: Manual on the effective investigation and documentation of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment”.
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| The international workshop 'Introduction to the Istanbul Protocol: Manual on the effective investigation and documentation of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment' in Gia Lai, on January 23, 2026. (Source: UNDP) |
The workshop featured leading human rights experts from the United Nations, representatives from various ministries, sectors, judicial bodies, law enforcement, and domestic health agencies.
The event took place as Vietnam continues to deepen its international integration, reaffirming its consistent commitment to respecting, protecting, and promoting human rights, particularly in fully implementing its obligations under the United Nations Convention Against Torture (UNCAT), of which Vietnam has been a member since 2015.
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| Colonel Tran Viet Trung, Deputy Director of the Department of External Relations, Ministry of Public Security, delivering the opening speech at the workshop. (Source: UNDP) |
In his opening remarks, Colonel Tran Viet Trung, Deputy Director of the Department of External Relations, Ministry of Public Security, stated that Vietnam has been a member of the Convention Against Torture since 2015 and has been striving for over a decade to effectively ensure the right not to be tortured.
The workshop aimed to introduce the contents of the Istanbul Protocol: a manual on effective investigation and evidence of torture with the support of international experts. It provided Vietnam with an opportunity to gather more information, experiences, and clarify related issues, thereby gaining a better understanding of the Istanbul Protocol's content. This understanding will help in researching and accurately grasping the spirit and purpose of the guidelines and requirements of the Protocol. Consequently, it will lead to proposals for applications that are appropriate to Vietnam's actual conditions, contributing practically to the effective implementation of the Convention Against Torture and the recommendations of the Convention Committee.
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| Ms. Federica Dispenza, Assistant to the Resident Representative, Head of Governance and Participation Unit, UNDP Vietnam. (Source: UNDP) |
According to Ms. Federica Dispenza, Assistant to the Resident Representative, Head of Governance and Participation Unit, UNDP Vietnam, approaching the Istanbul Protocol not only contributes to enhancing the quality, transparency, and reliability of investigations but also strengthens the protection of detainees and provides clear legal safeguards for law enforcement officers. This is seen as a crucial foundation for bolstering public trust in the justice system and law enforcement agencies.
Ms. Federica Dispenza emphasized in her speech that the workshop is part of a broader effort to ensure that Vietnamese agencies are increasingly well-equipped both technically and strategically to effectively engage in diplomacy and human rights implementation, in line with national priorities, implementation roadmaps, and Vietnam's specific context.
The Istanbul Protocol serves a practical purpose by setting professional standards for the effective investigation and documentation of torture and other cruel treatment, combining legal and medical expertise to ensure that evidence collected is reliable, consistent, and usable within the framework of legal proceedings.
According to the Istanbul Protocol, preventing and responding to torture is not the task of any single agency or entity. It requires a whole-system and whole-society approach, involving investigators, detention management agencies, medical staff, forensic services, prosecutors, defense lawyers, and the court system—each playing their role within a coordinated framework.
Ms. Federica Dispenza stated: “It is at this point that the Istanbul Protocol aligns closely with Vietnam's national priorities, including the goal of strengthening and ensuring the rule of law”.
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| Expert Marie Brasholt, Vice Chair of the UN Subcommitte on Prevention of Torture (SPT). (Source: UNDP) |
The workshop discussions focused on clarifying the background, structure, and core principles of the Protocol; the role of each group of stakeholders in preventing and combating torture; as well as international and regional experiences in applying the Protocol's standards.
The workshop served as an open forum for exchanging opportunities, challenges, and suitable approaches for Vietnam in the coming period; helping authorities, especially law enforcement, judicial, and health sectors, to better understand the spirit, objectives, and core requirements of this document, thereby exploring the potential for appropriate application within Vietnam's practical conditions and legal framework.
This is also part of Vietnam's efforts to implement the Convention Against Torture in accordance with common United Nations standards and to reduce discrepancies between the Convention and national laws.
The Istanbul Protocol and the Méndez Principles on effective interviewing for investigations and information gathering are two key documents for better implementing the national Convention Against Torture. Previously, UNDP supported the Ministry of Public Security in successfully organizing a workshop introducing the Méndez Principles in Quang Ninh with practical outcomes.
Ms. Federica Dispenza assessed that the series of workshops on the Istanbul Protocol and the Méndez Principles demonstrate Vietnam's proactive and serious efforts in actively participating in the international human rights system, linking international commitments with national priorities on building the rule of law, ensuring human rights, and citizen rights.
In his closing remarks, Deputy Director of the Department of Legal Affairs and Administrative, Judicial Reform, Ministry of Public Security, Dao Anh Toi, affirmed that the professional opinions and international experiences gathered will be an important reference for Vietnam to continue researching, determining the roadmap, and proposing the potential for appropriately and effectively applying the Istanbul Protocol, thereby contributing to better fulfilling obligations under the Convention Against Torture and the recommendations of United Nations human rights mechanisms.
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| Delegates attending the workshop. (Source: UNDP) |
| The Istanbul Protocol, published by the United Nations in 1999, is a crucial international guideline document on investigating, collecting, and documenting allegations of torture and other cruel treatments. This document sets forth scientific, legal, and ethical standards, combining legal and medical expertise to ensure evidence is collected independently, objectively, reliably, and can be used in proceedings. Although not legally binding, the Istanbul Protocol is currently applied in over 100 countries and is considered a practical tool directly supporting the implementation of Article 12 of the Convention Against Torture, which requires countries to conduct prompt, effective, and impartial investigations into all allegations of torture. |
