On 23 September 2026, the International Nuremberg Principles Academy held a practice-oriented workshop with the Bavarian State Criminal Police Office on engaging with witnesses, survivors and suspects in investigations into potential international crimes. The workshop brought together the perspective of law enforcement investigators and the Academy’s expertise in international criminal law, psychosocial matters and institutional practice.
Using fictional case scenarios, participants explored approaches to establishing sensitive initial contact with survivors and conducting interviews. The discussions focused on managing expectations, identifying specific protection needs and engaging appropriately with traumatised or otherwise vulnerable individuals. Another key topic was how to respond when information indicating a person’s possible involvement in a crime emerges during an interview. Participants examined the transition from witness to suspect status, the obligation to inform individuals of their rights and the protection against self-incrimination.
The workshop combined insights from our refugee project with our work on national war crimes units. The jointly developed findings will inform the Academy’s continuing project work, the development of relevant guidelines and future practice-oriented training programmes for law enforcement officers. (gp)