As part of our efforts to support the UNSGM, VERTIC has partnered with the Institute for International Criminal Investigations (IICI) and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) to organize a training course on ‘Investigative Interview Skills’ for roster experts.
The course took place in Geneva between February 5th and 9th, and 16 UNSGM roster experts participated in the training. Funding was generously provided from Canada and the United States. UNODA has provided a summary of the course and its aims, which can be read in full on its website:
‘The objective of the course was to provide a group of qualified experts, nominated by Member States to the UNSGM roster, with a better understanding of interview management techniques in the context of a UNSGM investigation. Training elements included both theoretical lessons and role-play exercises to practice the related skills, which were delivered by IICI trainers.
… At the start of the course, UNODA provided an overview of the relevant sections of the UNSGM Guidelines & Procedures, as well as a review of some of the challenges that may be encountered in a UNSGM investigation. Then, participants received training from IICI instructors on several elements of investigative interviews, including approaching and managing different kinds of witnesses, working with interpreters and intermediaries, and interview planning, note-taking, and write-ups.
This investigative interview skill training course provided the invited experts with an improved understanding of conversation management techniques, including skill development in questioning and active listening, which will be important elements of a potential UNSGM investigation.’
