UNOCT Global Counter-Terrorism Investigations Programme delivers specialized investigative interviewing course
The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) Global Counter-Terrorism Investigations Programme delivered a seven-day training course in French to participants from Togo and Morocco from 15 to 23 January 2025. The event was organized through the UNOCT Programme Office and Training Centre in Rabat, in collaboration with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and supported by the Government of France.
This specialized training was aimed at strengthening the counter-terrorism capacity of national investigative bodies through advanced techniques in interviewing, with a strong emphasis on ethical standards and compliance with human rights and the rule of law. It covered a range of essential modules, including:
- Introduction to Investigative Interviewing: Participants explored the principles of investigative interviewing and its role in ensuring effective and fair practices in criminal investigations.
- Techniques for Effective Interviews: Participants were introduced to structured methodologies to conduct interviews ethically and systematically, ensuring the reliability of obtained information, addressing inconsistencies, and avoiding false confessions.
- Legal and Ethical Considerations: This module emphasized adherence to national and international legal frameworks, promoting unbiased practices and upholding human rights principles during investigations.
- Scenario-Based Learning and Practical Exercises: Through role-playing exercises, participants practiced their skills in realistic scenarios, receiving feedback from instructors to refine their approaches.
Participants learned about the Méndez Principles, a set of guidelines designed to ensuring effective, ethical, and non-coercive interviewing techniques that align with human rights standards. Another key feature of the course was the integration of the "Stepwise Interview Model," which was originally developed by the RCMP to promote systematic, fair, and ethical approaches to obtaining information.
The course concluded with a comprehensive assessment, allowing participants to apply their knowledge and skills through simulated interviews and thereby gain both theoretical and practical expertise.
At the closing ceremony, Lt. Col Erwan Moysan, Liaison Officer of the French Gendarmerie to the Kingdom of Morocco, congratulated participants on their successful completion of the course, advising them “Concentrez vous simplement sur la fidélité à la verité” (simply focus on being faithful to the truth).
Through tailored training initiatives like this course, the UNOCT Global Counter-Terrorism Investigations Programme supports Member States in adopting innovative and effective approaches to combating terrorism and transnational crime, contributing to long-term and sustainable impacts.
