Istanbul Protocol
Expert Witness Reports
The medico-legal standard for
expert witness asylum cases.
Our chambers prepares Istanbul Protocol expert reports for asylum and human rights claims where torture or ill-treatment is alleged. Members of our chambers conduct physical and psychological assessments under the United Nations Manual on the Effective Investigation and Documentation of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
These reports provide the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal with an independent, CPR Part 35-compliant opinion on the consistency of the claimant’s account with the clinical findings, the degree of psychological sequelae, and the likelihood that the described events occurred. Our experts are instructed under the Immigration Tribunal’s Practice Direction on expert evidence and the Civil Justice Council’s 2014 Guidance.
Three stages where an asylum
expert witness is critical.
Initial asylum application
Our chambers accepts instructions at the first submission stage to support the claimant’s credibility and the consistency of their account with clinical findings. The report is submitted alongside the SEF or further submissions to the Home Office under Paragraph 353 of the Immigration Rules.
Appeal to the First-tier Tribunal
Where the Home Office refuses the claim, our experts prepare reports for the appeal hearing under Rule 15(2A) of the Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) Rules 2014. The report addresses the grounds of appeal and is exchanged under the Tribunal’s directions.
Judicial review & onward appeals
For cases proceeding to the Upper Tribunal or higher courts, our chambers provides supplementary reports addressing new evidence, fresh claims under Paragraph 353, or challenges to the First-tier Tribunal’s findings on credibility and medical evidence.
What an Istanbul Protocol
report contains.
Expert declaration & CV
GMC or HCPC registration, Specialist Register entry, MRCPsych or BPS Chartered status, and the expert’s training in the Istanbul Protocol. The declaration confirms compliance with CPR Part 35, the Immigration Tribunal’s Practice Direction, and the overriding duty to the court under CPR 35.3.
Claimant’s account of torture
The claimant’s narrative of the alleged events, recorded verbatim during the assessment. The expert notes any inconsistencies, omissions, or emotional responses that may inform the clinical opinion on consistency and psychological sequelae.
Physical examination findings
Detailed documentation of scars, injuries, or residual physical signs using the Istanbul Protocol’s standardised physical examination form. Findings are categorised by type, location, and consistency with the described mechanism of injury.
Psychological assessment
Clinical interview and standardised instruments (HTQ, HSCL-25, PCL-5) to assess PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The expert applies ICD-11 or DSM-5-TR criteria and addresses the temporal relationship between the alleged events and the onset of symptoms.
Consistency analysis
The expert’s opinion on the consistency between the claimant’s account, the physical findings, and the psychological presentation. The report addresses the Istanbul Protocol’s five levels of consistency (not consistent, consistent with, highly consistent, typical of, diagnostic of).
Causation & prognosis
The expert’s opinion on the likelihood that the described events caused the claimant’s current physical and psychological condition. Prognosis is addressed with and without treatment, including the need for specialist trauma therapy or psychiatric intervention.
Statement of truth
The signed declaration confirming the expert’s understanding of their duties under CPR Part 35, the Immigration Tribunal’s Practice Direction, and the Civil Justice Council’s 2014 Guidance. The statement of truth is required for the report to be admissible under Rule 15(2A) of the Tribunal Procedure Rules.
How the Istanbul Protocol
assessment is conducted.
Our members follow the Istanbul Protocol’s structured methodology to ensure the assessment is thorough, trauma-informed, and compliant with CPR Part 35. Each step is documented in the report to allow the Tribunal to follow the expert’s reasoning from instruction to opinion.
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01
Pre-assessment review
Full review of the claimant’s Home Office interview records, witness statements, country expert reports, and any available medical or psychological records. The expert identifies gaps or inconsistencies to address during the assessment.
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02
Trauma-informed interview
Structured interview conducted in a safe, private setting, typically lasting 3–5 hours with breaks. The expert uses open-ended questions to elicit the claimant’s narrative while monitoring for signs of distress or dissociation.
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03
Physical examination
Head-to-toe examination using the Istanbul Protocol’s standardised form. Scars and injuries are photographed with the claimant’s consent, and findings are documented with reference to the described mechanism of injury.
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04
Psychological testing
Administration of validated instruments (HTQ, HSCL-25, PCL-5) to assess PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The expert interprets scores in the context of the claimant’s cultural background and trauma history.
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05
Formulation & report drafting
The expert synthesises the clinical findings, consistency analysis, and causation opinion into a CPR Part 35-compliant report. The report is peer-reviewed within chambers to ensure compliance with the Istanbul Protocol and UK procedural rules.
Every asylum claim where torture
or ill-treatment is alleged.
Our chambers accepts instructions for Istanbul Protocol reports across all stages of asylum and human rights claims where the claimant alleges torture, ill-treatment, or persecution. Reports are prepared for submission to the Home Office, Immigration Tribunal, and higher courts.
Questions from
solicitors we work with.
Do your experts have specific training in the Istanbul Protocol?
Yes. Members of our chambers undergo certified training in the Istanbul Protocol, including the United Nations Manual and the UK-specific implementation guidance. Our experts are regularly instructed by the Home Office, Immigration Tribunal, and leading asylum solicitors for torture assessment expert reports.
Can the report be used for both asylum and human rights claims?
Yes. Our Istanbul Protocol reports are prepared to meet the admissibility requirements of both the Immigration Tribunal and the civil courts under CPR Part 35. The report addresses the specific legal tests for asylum (Article 3 ECHR) and human rights claims (Articles 2, 3, and 8).
How do you handle cases where the claimant is detained?
We conduct assessments in detention centres. Our experts are experienced in assessing claimants in immigration removal centres and prisons. We coordinate with the Home Office and centre staff to arrange secure, private assessments and ensure the report is submitted within Tribunal deadlines.
What is the turnaround time for an Istanbul Protocol report?
6–10 weeks from instruction. Urgent cases are prioritised, and we provide an expedited timetable where the Tribunal has set a hearing date. The assessment is typically offered within four weeks of instruction, with the report delivered within four weeks of the assessment.
Do your experts attend Tribunal hearings to give oral evidence?
Yes. Our experts are available to attend hearings in person or via secure video link to give oral evidence and respond to cross-examination. Attendance is confirmed at the point of instruction and included in the fee quote.
Can the report address both physical and psychological findings?
Yes. Our chambers includes consultant forensic psychiatrists and clinical psychologists with expertise in both physical and psychological sequelae of torture. Where necessary, we coordinate with allied specialists (e.g., forensic physicians) to provide a comprehensive medico legal asylum report.
Need an expert for your
asylum expert witness case?
Send a brief case summary — claimant’s nationality, alleged events, procedural stage, and any Tribunal deadlines — and our chambers will confirm expert availability, scope, and timescales within one working day.