This guide is intended as an auxiliary instrument to the Istanbul Protocol and has been developed as a source of practical reference for medical doctors engaged in the investigation and documentation of cases of alleged torture. It is researched and written within a framework of a partnership led by the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT) in collaboration with the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (HRFT), Physicians for Human Rights USA (PHR USA), REDRESS, and World Medical Association.

Similar guides have been developed for lawyers, “Action against torture: A practical guide to the Istanbul Protocol – for lawyers” (IRCT, 2009a) and for psychologists, “Psychological evaluation of torture allegations: A practical guide to the Istanbul Protocol – for psychologists” (IRCT 2009b). It is hoped that these materials offer insights and create synergy between the health and legal professions in a joint effort to combat torture.

This guide does not replace the Istanbul Protocol. It gives additional information on the different physical consequences of torture with different degrees of elaboration. It should be used together with the Istanbul Protocol.

As in the Istanbul Protocol, torture is defined in this guide according to the definition of torture in article 1 of the UN Convention against Torture (UNCAT).