The Caucasian Regional Training – Workshop “Physical and Mental/Psychological Consequences of Torture

Press – Release (Report)

The Caucasian Regional Training – Workshop “Physical and Mental/Psychological Consequences of Torture. Principles of Documentation and Reporting according to the Istanbul Protocol, Treatment and Rehabilitation” was held in the Hotel Vere Palace (22/24 Kuchishvili Str.), from 23 till 25 of September, 2010, in Tbilisi, Georgia

Languages of the Training-Workshop were: English, Russian, Georgian with simultaneous translation

During this TRAINING – Seminar were trained

Doctors working with risk groups (Forensic Medical Experts, Psychiatrists, etc.); also legal Experts and Human Rights Defenders.

This training – workshop was held in the framework of the RCT/EMPATHY’s (The Rehabilitation Centre for Victims of Torture “EMPATHY”, Georgia) project “Strengthening the System of Rehabilitation for Torture Victims in Georgia” (EIDHR/2008/148 – 184).

Co – organizers and partners of this training – workshop were: Penal Reform International (PRI) and Georgian Medical Association. Also should be mentioned that Armenian Psychiatrist’s Association and Azerbaijan Medical Association were involved actively in the preparation of this training.

Donors of above mentioned RCT/EMPATHY’s project are: European Union, UNVFVT and IRCT (International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (Denmark, Copenhagen).

During the training – workshop on international standards of documentation and reporting of torture (Istanbul Protocol), as well as principles of multi – faced rehabilitation for victims of torture 27 medical experts and 19 legal experts from Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia were trained. All participants were received the Certificates.

This training was accredited at the CME/CPD programme of the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Welfare of Georgia and medical participants received 25 credit points.

The representatives of the Donor organization – European Union, as well as National Medical Associations, Leading Forensic Experts, and International Experts from the IRCT participated at the Opening Session.

All trainer/experts have international experience of training/workshops in the Istanbul Protocol – UN Manual on the Effective Investigation and Documentation of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

Trainer/Experts were:

Dr. Mariam Jishkariani, Director of the RCT/EMPATHY, Georgia, Georgian NPM member, International Expert – Council member of the World Psychiatric Association Section “Psychological Consequences of Torture and persecution”,

Dr. Rusudan Beriashvili, MD. PhD, Head of the Forensic Medical Department of the National Forensic Expertise Bureau of Georgia, International Expert of IRCT.

Dr. Levan Labauri, MD, PhD, Secretary General of the Georgian Medical Association, UNDP Medical Expert.

Ms. Maia Khasia – Penal Reform International, Legal Expert.

Three International Experts from IRCT, Medical Director of the IRCT Dr. Onder Ozkalipci, co – author of the Istanbul Protocol, Dr. Bente Rich, Forensic Psychiatrist and Mr. Asger Kjaerum, legal expert, participated in this training – workshop as well.

Mr. Armen Sogoyan MD.PhD., President, Armenian Psychiatric Association, Zone Representative, World Psychiatric Association, Zone 10, Eastern Europe, Vice President – Asian Federation of Psychiatric Associations., and Mr. Safarli Nariman , MD, PhD, Chairman of Azerbaijan Medical Association (AzMA), were involved in the Training – Seminar activities intensively.

International manuals and materials on the medical and legal aspects of torture were used during this training, including principles of the Istanbul Protocol, IRCT and Redress manuals, WPA Section “Psychological Consequences of Torture and Persecution” materials etc.

Following published materials and CD materials were distributed during this training:

1) Legal Manual Russian version (IRCT Manuals (Redress legal Manual, HRFT Checklist) for IP training, Russian version prepared by the PRI)

2) MedicalPsychological Manual Russian Vesrion – Prepared by the RCT/EMPATHY and GMA and Forensic Expert’s Association (Jishkariani, Labauri, Beriashvili, IRCT materials were used, also materials of WPA Section ”Torture Psychological Consequences and Persecution).

3) Istanbul Protocol Russian Version

4) International Instruments for the Fights Against Torture, Russian Version (IRCT, Updated and prepared Russian Version by the PRI)

5) All presentations also were distributed on CD.

Finally, following future plans and recommendations were elaborated during this training – workshop:

1) Creation of the Caucasian network against torture with coordination of legal and medical organizations, especially National medical and psychiatrists’ associations with involvement of the International organizations IRCT, PRI etc.

2) Increasing the role of mental/psychological evaluation during the forensic expertise of victims of torture.

3) Organization of the special symposium at the Regional Congress of WPA, to be held in Erevan in 2011.

4) Increasing the Role and Activity of the WPA Section “Psychological Consequences of Torture and Persecution” in the region of South Caucasus.

Director of the Programme Dr. Mariam JishkarianiContact: 23 Kandelaki Str., Tbilisi, 0160, Georgia.

Phone: +(995 32) 38 10 15;

Fax: +(995 32) 38 10 33

E – mail: centre@empathy.ge

www.empathy.ge