Investigations Techniques Training - Sri Lanka

The training program for the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) is part of the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institution’s Professional Development Program. The program, which trains national human rights institutions staff in core skill areas is delivered by professional trainers from the Australian Human Rights & Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC).

The five-day training program provides foundation knowledge and skills in the investigation of alleged infringements of human rights. The program assists in identifying areas for further training and development in accordance with the learning needs of staff of the Sri Lankan Commission.

Learning objectives

To provide participants with:

1. an overview of various models of investigation and an opportunity to clarify the appropriate model(s) of investigation within the HRCSL context, the purpose of HRCSL investigations and the role of the HRCSL investigation officer;
2. an understanding of international human rights instruments as relevant to the legislative context of the HRCSL and associated legal definitions and concepts;
3. information on approaches to the assessment of complaints with particular reference to variables that influence determination of priority handling, preliminary or formal investigation and early resolution;
4. an understanding of key legal principles that guide the conduct of investigations into alleged infringements of human rights;
5. a model to plan investigations to ensure they are efficient and effective;
6. knowledge and skills to enable the efficient and effective gathering of evidence relevant to an investigation;
7. knowledge and skills to enable the efficient and effective analysis of evidence that has been gathered; and
8. knowledge and skills to enable appropriate handling of evidence, efficient and effective documentation of an investigation and appropriate file and caseload management.

Learning outcomes

At the conclusion of the training program participants will be able to:

1. identify the model(s) of investigation appropriate to the HRCSL context and articulate the purpose of these investigations and the role of the investigator;
2. outline international human rights instruments relevant to the legislative context of the HRCSL and explain associated legal definitions and legal concepts;
3. outline various approaches to the assessment of complaints with particular reference to variables that influence acceptance of a matter for inquiry, priority handling and early resolution and identify the approaches relevant to the HRCSL context;
4. explain key legal principles that guide the manner in which an investigation is conducted and explain how these principles relate to the conduct of investigations in the HRCSL context;
5. explain and demonstrate key steps in planning an investigation to ensure it is efficient and effective;
6. outline best practice principles for gathering information and evidence including conducting interviews and taking statements and demonstrate interviewing skills;
7. outline key principles in analysing evidence gathered in an investigation and demonstrate analysis skills;
8. outline key principles in handling evidence, documenting investigations, managing an investigation file and managing an investigation caseload to ensure efficient and effective complaint management.