Death in custody - towards an international framework for investigation and prevention

Project Information
Funding Opportunity: 
Call for Projects 2008
Project Start Date: 
15.12.2008
Abstract / Summary
Abstract / Summary: 
International human rights and humanitarian law stipulate that prisoners have the right to be treated humanly and especially receive adequate medical treatment. However, so called "natural" deaths in custody are frequent and often considered "natural" because (1) there are no external signs of violence, (2) there are other health related reasons that seem obvious, and (3) time, guidelines and material is lacking to advise health care workers or international personnel on the spot how to proceed in such cases. Projects partners will collaborate to undertake research relating to the conditions under which deaths in custody should be investigated and prevented.

Project Members

Name Role Department/Institute Institution
Bernice Elger Coordinator University Centre for Legal Medicine of West Switzerland Université de Genève
Adam Stapleton Principal Member Center for International Human Rights at Northwestern University School of Law in Chicago Northwestern University
Andrew Coyle Principal Member King's College, University of London University of London
Morris Tidball Binz Principal Member International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) ICRC International Committee of the Red Cross
Paola Gaeta Principal Member Law Faculty University of Geneva Université de Genève
Michael Thali Principal Member Forensic Institute Universität Bern
Patrice Mangin Principal Member
Vincent Chetail Principal Member Institut de hautes Etudes internationales et du Développement - Graduate Institute
Isabel Hight Associated Member International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) ICRC International Committee of the Red Cross
Isabel Menegon Associated Member