Represented by Susanne H. Flølo and Dr. Asbjørn Rachlew, NCHR led a full day workshop session focused on advancing evidence-based, non-coercive interviewing methods within Southeast Asia’s criminal justice systems.
Dr. Rachlew, a police chief superintendent and internationally recognized expert, shared insights from Norway’s experience and his work on the Méndez Principles on Effective Interviewing for Investigations and Information Gathering. Further, he shared case examples and his work with errors of justice, human memory, as well as taking the audience step-by-step through the methodology. His contributions underscored the global shift away from confession-driven interrogation toward people-centred, human rights-compliant practices.
The workshop further emphasized the importance of investigative interviewing as a safeguard for human dignity and its role in enhancing the rule of law.
This approach is not just more ethical—it’s more effective. It reduces the risk of wrongful convictions, builds public trust, and upholds the rights of all parties involved, Flølo said in her opening remarks.
First regional training programme for criminal justice professionals
The “T4SEA” programme is the first regional training for criminal justice professionals on the United Nations standards and norms in crime prevention and criminal justice in Southeast Asia. The regional initiative is aimed at strengthening the capacity of criminal justice actors through knowledge exchange, practical training, and regional cooperation. T4SEA promotes people-centred justice by equipping practitioners with tools and strategies that align with international human rights standards.
Diverse perspectives
This year’s session brought together over 40 participants from across the region, including representatives from Thailand, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, and Singapore. The diversity of perspectives enriched the discussions and reinforced the shared commitment to justice reform in the region.
Now in its third consecutive year of participation, NCHR continues to support TIJ and T4SEA’s mission of fostering fair, transparent, and accountable justice systems across Southeast Asia. The event was made possible through the leadership of TIJ, whose dedication to advancing people-centred justice remains instrumental in shaping regional dialogue and collaboration.
(Photo: Susanne H. Flølo/UiO)