Held at the historic Faculty of Philosophy, Vilnius University on August 4–5, the MC meeting featured strategic updates, including plans for a 2026 training school/master class in Leuven, Belgium in collaboration with the Investigative Interviewing Research Group (iIIRG) and the ImpleMéndez network.
Presentations by Yvonne Daly (Ireland) and Susanne H. Flølo (Norway) highlighted the development of national Méndez Centres, emphasizing the institutionalization of ethical interviewing practices, and the opportunities brought forth by the EU COST action (CA22128).
The agenda also included case studies from Brazil, Ukraine, Poland, Portugal, and Finland, with representatives sharing their experiences in implementing investigative interviewing in diverse legal systems. These contributions underscored the global relevance of the ImpleMéndez initiative and the importance of cross-cultural learning.
EAPL 2025 Conference
Following the COST meetings, NCHR attended the European Association of Psychology and Law (EAPL) 2025 Conference, also held in Vilnius. The conference provided a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue on forensic psychology, legal decision-making, and human rights-based approaches to justice.
The topic of investigative interviewing and the ImpleMéndez Network had a strong presence at the conference reflecting the network's commitment to bridging research and practice in the promotion of human rights and ethical policing.
Building Momentum for the Méndez Principles
The Vilnius meetings and conference marked a significant step in the international rollout of the Méndez Principles. With contributions from colleagues in Ukraine and Brazil, and growing collaboration across Europe, the ImpleMéndez network continues to expand its reach and impact.
For more information about the COST Action, visit the ImpleMéndez project page. To learn more about the Investigative interviewing and the Méndez Principles, see NCHR police cooperation project: Investigative Interviewing for Fair and Efficient Administration of Justice