Chinese expert group – visit to Europe
The Chinese expert group, consisting of academics and professionals, visited Norway as part of a broader study visit to Europe funded by the European Union. The visit is part of a larger effort focusing on the Chinese criminal justice system and addressing challenges around improving justice in child sexual abuse cases in China. Representatives from UNICEF China and the Great Britain China Centre also took part in the two-day programme.
Criminal cases involving minors – Norwegian experiences
Addressing how the criminal justice system can support child victims and best ways to deal with the complexities around various cases of sexual exploitation was the focus of the visit to Oslo. Representatives from KRIPOS (The National Criminal Investigation Service), The Children’s House Oslo and the Office of the Norwegian Prosecutor General contributed with insights on how the Norwegian system deals with crimes involving children. Representatives from Oslo Police District highlighted in particular the methods used by both police and police prosecutors to obtain accurate and reliable information when investigating criminal cases involving children.
The group also visited OsloMet, and got an introduction to their project to develop a new avatar for training on interviewing children. Here the participants could test their abilities to interview a «child» by the use of VR-technology.
Promoting global standards
NCHR works with a broad coalition of scholars, UN agencies, NGOs and practitioners to implement the method of investigative interviewing practice and the Mendez Principles.
The study visit was an opportunity to highlight NCHR’s work in this field, and highlight how Norwegian police and other law enforcement entities now have interviewing practices that fully respect international human rights law.
- "Both the Mendez principles, and the CTI Manual was translated into Chinese after our police delegation visited Beijing in 2017. We were pleased to hear that the material was found useful by members of the delegation", says Knut D. Asplund, from the International department at NCHR
Fair trial starts at the crime scene and in the interrogation of suspects, victims and witnesses – in the interviewing room. How the police conduct interviews will have a profound impact on the outcome and fairness of subsequent criminal proceedings.
-
- "The visit from China shows that meaningful exchange and dialogue can still take place on challenging topics", says Cecilie Figenschou Bakke, who for many years directed NCHRs work in China.
The Norwegian Centre for Human Rights has for more than 20 years, collaborated with Chinese academics and partner institutions to promote, strengthen, and develop the knowledge on international human rights and Rule of Law in China.