Section 2.1 Basic UN verification and investigation techniques Pg.

Section 2.1 Basic UN verification and investigation

techniques
Table of Contents
Preparatory Notes to Instructors ................................................................................. 2
Session Notes............................................................................................................. 6
Definition of Verification .............................................................................................. 6
Phases of a Verification/Inspection ............................................................................. 8
Investigations ............................................................................................................ 11
Conducting an Investigation...................................................................................... 13
Witness interviews .................................................................................................... 15
The evidence ............................................................................................................ 16
Learning Outcome Assessment ................................................................................ 19
Learning Activity: Basic Investigation and Verification Techniques exercise: role
playing……………………………………………………………………………………….20
Optional Learning Activity: Case Study on UN Fact-Finding Mission on the Gaza
Conflict (Richard Goldstone) ..................................................................................... 21

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Preparatory Notes to Instructors

Background
Current UN peacekeeping missions, especially those mandated to address
multidimensional challenges in a deteriorating or fragile security environment, present
complicated and often dangerous working environments for UN Military Experts on
Mission. Where there is insufficient UN or multinational security forces to establish a
safe and secure environment, MEoM are requested to execute the traditional roles of
investigation and verification.

In such environments UN Military Experts on Mission are required to conduct

comprehensive investigations to verify information concerning armed individuals or
groups in the mission area. They are also required to investigate incidents such as
cease fire violations, construction upgrading, entries into DMZ, the presence of land
mines or explosive remnants of armed conflict, hostage-taking, hijacking or any other
matter directed by the Mission. MEoM are frequently required to work alongside, or in
conjunction with other UN components (military contingents, police and civilians) in
the field when conducting investigative and verification tasks. For instance, MEoM
contribute to human rights monitoring and investigations, by recording and sharing
allegations of human rights violations or providing military advice to human rights
investigations.

Aim
The aim of this section is to provide peacekeepers with an understanding of the
procedures and techniques involved in conducting verifications and investigations in
a complex United Nations peace operation environment and develop awareness of
the do’s and don’ts in the area of human rights monitoring and investigations.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of this section, participants will be able to:
• Identify the definition, aim and phases of the verification process in a
United Nations peace operation environment to allow peacekeepers to
conduct verifications.
• Define the purpose and procedures of investigations to enable
peacekeepers conduct investigations and effectively support human rights
monitoring and investigations.

Training Sequence
The material contained in this module could be delivered over one or two training
units, depending on the number of learning activities the instructor decides to
incorporate. The instructor can modify the duration to suit national training

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requirements and reflect the subject matter comprehension level of the

participants/learners.
This module should be delivered after module Negotiation and Mediation to
understand the communication skills needed to conduct verification and
investigations in UN environment. Also this module is better delivered in conjunction
with or with due attention to the modules on Working with Different Partners and
Security.

Duration
The times shown below are the minimum recommended time periods. Additional
activities and discussions can be added as time permits.

Minimum Session Time Lecture/Presentation Questions/Discussion Session Activities

45 minutes 35 min. 10 min.
Additional Options Mission Specific Optional Film Optional Activity
45 min for role playing Time to be determined
Training Activity: 45
activity by necessary content

Methodology
This module contains learning activities to keep adult learners engaged. The
facilitation team should use as many of the learning activities as time allows and keep
them tailored to the target audience. Participants should be fully involved in the
learning process through practical exercises, brainstorming sessions, discussion of
case studies, working in small groups on specific tasks, etc.

The instructor should inform participants of content, format and timing. Knowing what
to expect, participants can improve their ability to focus on the subject and benefit to
a greater extent from the session.

Instructors are highly recommended to distribute the handout to participants the day
before the session to give them the necessary time to prepare the session’s topics.
Structure of the presentation
• Definition of verification
• Phases of a verification/inspection
• Investigations
• Conducting investigations
• Witnesses interviews
• Evidence handling
• Information assessment

*Please Note: It is up to the learning institution to decide whether the learning

assessment questions are used informally in a group question and answer session,
or if they are provided to the participants as a written quiz. In either case, it is
recommended that the correct answers be provided at the end of the assessment in
order to ensure participants are clear on the key messages.

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Instructors are encouraged to add examples and mission-specific information related

to the specific deployment of participants, if known.

Instructor Profile
This module is best presented by an instructor who has experience in verification and
investigation in UN field missions, who could share his/her experience with the group.
If there is more than one instructor, at least one should have practical experience.
The instructor should also encourage questions from the participants and aim for an
interactive discussion. All participants should be encouraged to contribute to the
group discussions, case study discussions and in any other activity.

Instructor Preparations
Required Readings
• UN DPKO/DFS Guidelines; Roles and Training Standards for UN Military
Experts on Mission, 2009
• A Peacekeeping Training manual. UN DPKO
• UN Peacekeeping Handbook for Junior Ranks

General Preparations
Equipment:
1. Computer
2. Projector and Screen
3. Flip Chart

Materials:
1. Copies of handouts…etc.
2. Power Point presentations

Mission Specific
If Section 2.1 is being presented to prepare students for a particular UN
peacekeeping mission, then gather mission specific information from the mission
website (available at the UN DPKO internet website, through ‘current operations’:
http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/dpko/index.asp). Additional mission specific
information is available at the UN DPKO Policy and Training internet website:
http://peacekeepingresourcehub.unlb.org/PBPS/Pages/Public/Home.aspx

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Symbols Legend

Note to the Instructor (Some background information for consideration)

Speaking Points (The main points to cover on the topic. Ideally the
speaking points are presented in the instructor’s own words versus being
read to participants)

Mission Specific (A point where the session will benefit from mission
specific information)

Example (Stories that illustrate a point or key message)

Sample questions (A list of potential questions to pose to participants)

Handout (Indicates a handout is provided to participants at this point)

 Film (A film that is recommended as a core part of the training or an

option)

Core Learning Activity (An activity that is strongly recommended for

inclusion)

Optional Learning Activity (An activity that can be used if there is time
and it is appropriate for the participant group. Guidelines for these
activities are provided at the end of the unit, section or part – as indicated
in the text)

Key summary points (Key messages that are worth repeating at the end
of the session. Alternatively, the instructor can ask participants what are
the main messages they are taking from the session. Instructors can
then fill in any points that have been missed.)

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Session Notes

Slide 1
SECTION 2.1 BASIC UN VERIFICATION AND INVESTIGATION
TECHNIQUES

Aim Slide 2
The aim of this section is to provide peacekeepers with an
understanding of the procedures and techniques involved in
conducting verifications and investigations in a complex United
Nations peace operation environment.

Slide 3
Learning Outcome
On completion of this section, participants will be able to:
• Identify the definition, aim and phases of the verification
process in a United Nations peace operation environment to
allow peacekeepers to conduct verifications.
• Define the purpose and procedures of investigations to allow
peacekeepers conducting investigations.

Note to Instructor: Introduce the session by letting participants know the

intended learning outcomes of this section, as shown in the slide above. By the
end of the session, the participants will be able to answer each of the above
points.

One of the core tasks of MEoM is to conduct investigations to verify

information concerning armed individuals or groups in the mission area, the
presence of land mines or explosive remnants or armed conflict, alleged
ceasefire violations or any other matter directed by the mission.

MEoM are also frequently required to work alongside or in conjunction with
other components, for instance to conduct joint patrolling or participate in
human rights investigations).

This session outlines the importance of having an understanding of what
verification is and how to perform it; to understand what an investigation is,
the different types of investigation, and how to perform an investigative
procedure; to exchange ideas and share experiences with other
peacekeepers in training or in your own work.

Definition of Verification

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Slide 4
A definition
• Verification is “the process of establishing the truth,
accuracy or reality of something”

Definition of verification
• Verification is “the process of establishing the truth, accuracy or reality of
something”

Verification Slide 5

• Aim
• Authority
• Tasks

Mission Specific. It is important to introduce and emphasize the mission

specific guidelines for conducting verifications in the mission area.

Aim of verification The aim of verification is to support the implementation

of the mission mandate or agreement and to confirm the compliance or non-
compliance with that agreement by one or more parties to the conflict.

Authority to conduct verifications The mission mandate will provide
MEoM with the legal authority to conduct verification tasks. In theatre an
official and detailed agreement will have been negotiated to determine how
these tasks will be conducted. It is vital for MEoM to keep a copy of both
documents so these can be shown when required.

Tasks MEoM tasking may vary from mission to mission but they will be set
out in mission SOP and generally require the good will and assistance of all
involved parties. How to conduct verifications will be authorized in the
mandate. Also the details on how, when and where verification may be
conducted will be provided in an agreement between the parties and the
UN, and in the mission SOPs.

Slide 6
Types of a verification/inspection
• Formal: Scheduled verifications/inspections
• Informal: Unscheduled verifications/inspections
• Specific: Pursuant to claims of non-compliance

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• Protest: Investigation may result in an official complaint /

protest

There are four types of verification. They may be conducted on either a

regular or irregular basis in accordance with the parties’ agreement. A
specific verification may be requested to investigate claims on non-
compliance of agreements. Verification may also be requested if one party
files a protest or official complaint that all or part of the agreement is not
being upheld by the other party.

Phases of a Verification/Inspection
Slide 7
Phases of a verification/inspection
• Phase 1 Planning, preparation and briefing
• Phase 2 Execution
• Phase 3 Post-verification debriefings and reporting

Phases of a verification/inspection
There are three phases to conduct a verification/inspection:
Phase 1 Planning, preparation and briefing
Phase 2 Execution
Phase 3 Post-verification debriefings and reporting

Slide 8

Phase 1 Planning, Preparation and Briefing

• Select and check the Verification Kit
• Carry your UN ID card!!!
• Attend the Ops Brief given by OpsO
• Ensure the UN flag is mounted on your vehicle
• Pick up any assigned Liaison staff or interpreters en route

Phase 1 Planning, Preparation and Briefing:

Before beginning a verification or inspection it is very important to be
prepared. Following is a generic checklist of activities MEoM should
undertake before leaving the camp:
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• Select and check the Verification Kit (which normally includes walkie-
talkie, binoculars, detailed maps with all known positions, compass etc)
• Carry your UN ID card!!!
• Attend the Ops Brief given by OpsO. (It covers all of the information
required, aims and objectives, routes, localities to visit, special radio
procedures and current restrictions or limitations in the area to be
inspected)
• Ensure the UN flag is mounted on your vehicle
• Pick up any assigned Liaison staff or interpreters en route

Slide 9
Phase 2 Execution
• Always enter positions through the main gate
• Count armaments according to the agreement
• Be sure that you inspect the entire area in question
• Contact your HQ on the radio as required
• Log all relevant information and figures in your report
• Before dropping the LO off, make sure all members involved in
the verification/inspection sign the report
• Never show maps or figures of opposing forces to non-UN
personnel
• Only report the facts – not speculation
• Be sure to cover the whole verification /inspection area
• Always be suspicious and curious yet polite
• In addition to your task observe road conditions terrain and
the presence of obstacles of any kind, especially minefields
• Promptly report to human rights officers allegations of human
rights violations you may gather during your verification
activities

Phase 2 Execution
Points to keep in mind are:
• Always enter positions through the main gate
• Count armaments according to the agreement (The figures should be
agreed by all observers and the LO immediately after leaving the
position)
• Be sure that you inspect the entire area in question, not just part of it.
• Contact your HQ on the radio as required to report on progress /
problems.

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• Log all relevant information and figures in your report, including the
time you entered the Information.
• Before dropping the LO off, make sure all members involved in the
verification/inspection sign the report
• Never show maps or figures of opposing forces to non-UN
personnel
• Only report the facts – not speculation, rumor or hearsay
• Be sure to cover the whole verification /inspection area
• Always be suspicious and curious yet polite.
• In addition to your task observe road conditions terrain and the presence
of obstacles of any kind, especially minefields
• Observe and promptly report to human rights officers allegations of
human rights violations. As a way of example, while inspecting military
facilities you may observe detainees with marks of torture requiring
urgent medical attention or women or children illegally held who may be
at risk of sexual abuse. Be prepared to take action if you assess that
the victims’ situations cannot wait for human rights officers’ intervention.
Appropriate action may include engagement with local military authorities
and facilitating access to medical care.

Slide 10
Phase 3 Debriefing and Reporting
• De-briefing is normally done orally.
• Check your vehicle, vehicle kit and personal kit
• Conduct a detailed debrief as soon as possible.

Phase 3 Debriefing and Reporting

It is important to complete a debriefing and patrol report immediately upon

your return from the verification mission. Following is a check list for this
phase:

• De-briefing is normally done orally in conjunction with the handing

over the verification / inspection report.
• Allegations of human rights violations requiring urgent action need to
be immediately shared with human rights officers in the Sector, with due
care for confidentiality requirements.
• Check your vehicle, vehicle kit and personal kit and report any
missing and/or damaged items.
• Conduct a detailed debrief as soon as possible while events are still
fresh in your mind.

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Investigations
Slide 11
Investigations
• The purpose of an investigation is to establish the facts
of an incident
• MEoMs may be required to be the initial investigating
authority for an incident or be part of joint investigations
with other components (e.g. human rights).

Investigations
General:
The basic purpose of an investigation is to establish the facts about what
actually has happened.
An investigation can be demanded / initiated by one or several of the
conflicting parties or by UN itself. This would normally be described in the
investigation procedures for the specific mission.
MEoMs may be required to be the initial investigating authority for an
incident. Observer teams may discover an incident or be the nearest
responding authority, and thus, be required to conduct the initial
investigation and/or secure the scene for handover to another agency.

Authority to conduct investigations Slide 12

Authority to conduct complete investigations will be stipulated in the

Force agreement and mandate.

Mission Specific. Introduce the mission specific information regarding the

authority to conduct investigations according to mission mandate and parties
agreement in place in the mission area. In the same time is important to
highlight the specific challenges in conducting investigations in that particular
mission and the procedures to cooperate with relevant components (e.g.
human rights, child protection).

Authority to conduct investigations

MEoM will normally not be the lead agency in an investigation. MEoM will
turn a scene or investigation over to the UN Police – when the latter have an
executive mandate - and/or host nation police. Authority to conduct
complete investigations will be stipulated in the Force agreement and
mandate. Observers will often conduct initial investigations at the direction of
the CMO to determine what has happened and who will take subsequent

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control. In the event of a human rights incident, allegations received and

observed by MEoM will be collected and promptly shared with human rights
officers for follow up investigations.

Slide
Preparations for investigations 13
• Purpose of the investigation.
• Initiating / complaining party.
• Exact problem
• What to look for?
• Determine if it is a ‘routine’ or sensitive matter.
• Any previous records on file.
• Any special interest by complaining party have
• All pre-arranged or intended meetings expected.
• To locate other witnesses
• The means of transportation available

Preparations for investigations

The planning phase activities for conducting verifications are applicable during
the investigation preparations. In addition MEoM should learn at least the
following:

• The purpose of the investigation.

• The initiating / complaining party.
• The exact problem and what different opinions / perceptions of the
parties MEoM face. Study the case. Each case is unique.

• The key problem = what to look for? Determine what particulars must be
established before a conclusion can be made in the specific case.
• Determine if it is a ‘routine’ matter or a sensitive matter.
• If any similar investigation had been carried out before (in the same
area). Any previous records on file.
• If there is a special interest the complaining party have, which could
influence on the investigation (a hidden agenda to obstruct the
investigation or to bind your resources in order to hide something else)
• Background information including on human rights issues.
• All pre-arranged or intended meetings expected. Where, when and with
whom?
• To locate other witnesses and make pre-arrangements with them, if
possible with due consideration for confidentiality and their safety.
• The means of transportation available for you (vehicles, aircraft) Where,
when?

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Conducting an Investigation
Slide 14
Conducting an Investigation
• General Recommendations
• Arriving to the scene of the incident
• Behavior of the Investigation Team
• Sensitive Areas

Conducting an Investigation

• General Recommendations

Clearly define what the goals of the investigation are. What

information we are attempting to obtain and from what sources.

Do not forget that you might not be able to resume your

investigation if you miss to collect some information. Even the
procedures might prevent you to go back after having completed the
first investigation. Therefore, it is extremely important to conduct a
proper investigation already from the start.

Out of experience, it is often best to start an investigation on the

scene of the incident and at lower levels. Then work upwards in the
hierarchy. The statements then cannot be adjusted later to suit
certain and / or wished results.

• Arriving to the scene of the incident

Isolate and protect the scene: Assess the security of the scene
(identifying the threat from mines and UXO); Determine the need for
tactical security (are you safe?); Protect the scene from non-
authorized personnel and the public

Designate responsibilities for undertaking: The primary investigation;
Scene security; Evidence/exhibit recording; Witness identification /
interviewing

Create good order on the location, where you e.g. will meet
witnesses.

Keep witnesses apart from each other and call them for interviewing
one by one.

• Behavior of the Investigation Team

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The Patrol Leader (and the patrol) is in charge of the investigation,

not the parties.

Proper personal behaviour. Be CORRECT

Listen to the parties, but take your own decisions when necessary
(do not be in the hands of the parties). Be FIRM.

Visit all involved positions and / or units. Get statements from
witnesses provided by both parties to the conflict. Do not hesitate to
find independent witnesses (e.g. local population, representatives of
international or non-governmental organizations, hospitals or health
posts etc). Be FAIR and HONEST.

It is generally best to let the complaining party start by presenting its
evidence / witnesses.

More requirements in terms of evidence could be put on the
complaining party to have it to further ‘prove its case’.

Do not let the representatives of the parties give instructions to
obstruct the investigation.

Make sure you have a record of everything that has been said and it
has to be linked to a named source of information. The official
function of persons and their connection with the parties must be
stated as well. Make sure that identity of sources is kept confidential

If possible / strictly necessary use camera

Do not forget the possibility to see logbooks or other relevant
documents of or from units / sub-units involved.

• Sensitive Areas

Interpretation. You should have access to a reliable interpreter.
Make clear to the interpreter some basic rules before his / her first
investigation, such as:
o Interpret as exactly as possible what is said
o Do not add anything to or take anything out of the translation
o Do not make comments on what is translated
o If the investigator does not understand an answer, he/she will
formulate the new question, not the interpreter.
o The interpreter should not be involved in separate ‘private’
discussions with one of the parties.
o In some cases a witnesses only speak a certain local language
and you can find an interpreter able to translate directly between
that language and English. In other cases you will have to
translate in two steps. In both cases you may ask very simple
questions.
o Never discuss anything with one party only using a language that
is not understood by or not translated to the other party.
o Ensure confidentiality of sources and discussions with parties.
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o Make sure you have ways to monitor your interpreter’s security

after departure (he/she may be subject to intimidation or threats).

Determine locations. It is in some missions and some areas very

difficult to determine the exact locations, due to insufficient maps
and difficulties to read even good maps in certain areas. Sometimes
some fixed points or positions are arranged which can be used as
references.

o Sometimes there are disputes concerning what locations were

visited, where a certain incident took place or where a unit is
deployed (could be the difference between legal and illegal
deployment). GPS can provide the basic undisputable facts.

o In some areas (e.g. in Africa) it might happen, that names on the

very old maps are names of tribes. That means that the names
are moving with the tribe itself and that the name of a location
not necessarily correspond to the location you believe. Therefore
it is very important to bring the witness exactly to the intended /
mentioned spot and try to determine by yourself where you are,
using the methods above.

Determine time. Some parts of the population are not able to

determine time according to our habits (time and dates). They might
say i.e. "it was two sun-turns after the last heavy rain". In these
cases try, through other local sources, to find out what approximate
time is meant in terms you can understand (if it is important and the
needed accuracy can be maintained).

Truthful statements. In some cases one or the other party wants to

‘adjust’ the truth when they are aware of what is revealed. If you
start from the ‘top’ in the hierarchy they can give orders to witnesses
below them in the organization ahead of yourself. If you instead start
from the ‘bottom’ you will probably get more varied versions of the
story and will get contradictions, which can be evaluated.
Commanders are often very reluctant to adjust their own stories,
which they believe are ‘water-proof’ regardless of other statements.

Witness interviews

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Slide 15
Witness interviews
• Parties' representatives could be present
• Confront witnesses with contradictory information
• Particular information witness can contribute
• Schedule interviews at secure sites
• Initial discussion with witness
• Following guidelines advise subject about confidentiality
of statements
• Consider outside factors/pressures for interviewed
person.

Witness interviews

• Parties' representatives should not be present when a witness is

questioned.
• Do not hesitate, in a polite manner, to confront witnesses with
contradictory information given by other witnesses (without revealing
their identity) or inconsistent information.
• What particular information can the witness contribute to the
investigation?
• Schedule interviews if possible at team sites or locations which offer
the most security which may enable the subject to relax and speak in a
private and confidential setting, more openly without outside pressures.
• Initial discussion should focus on introducing the person present at the
interview, inquiring as to health, small talk, etc. Provide coffee,
cigarettes, water etc if possible. Attempt to put the person at ease as
much as possible.
• As much as possible with existing guidelines advice subject that his
statement will be kept confidential IF this is possible. Do not make
any representations which are not accurate.
• Consider outside factors/pressures which may influence or inhibit the
statement of the person being interviewed. Presence of other officials,
persons etc.

The evidence
Forms of Evidence

Slide 16
Forms of Evidence
• Verbal
• Material
• Circumstantial

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Forms of Evidence
Verbal evidence:
• Is unreliable and subjective
• Requires corroboration

Material evidence, which cannot stand alone and requires forensic

assistance, includes:
• Footprints
• Tire marks
• Broken objects
• Trace elements
• Forensic items (e.g. blood or DNA samples and weapon or
ammunition fragments)
Circumstantial evidence, which may corroborate other evidence.

Evidence Handling

Evidence Handling Slide 17

• Record the location. If possible, photograph the evidence

• Do not disturb evidence
• Minimize the number of persons handling the evidence
• Maintain a record that defines the continuity of evidence
• Use a scale of reference when photographing evidence

Evidence Handling

There are a number of important considerations in evidence handling:

• Record the location of the recovered evidence in a sketch to define the
location where the evidence was found and the time and date it was found.
If possible, photograph the evidence.
• Do not disturb evidence. If it is absolutely necessary to recover it, use
gloves, secure it in a bag (not plastic), and tag it clearly (description,
location, date/time, who found/bagged it).
• Minimize the number of persons handling the evidence,
• Maintain a record that defines the continuity of evidence, i.e. who had
possession of each particular item (what, where, when).
• Use a scale of reference, such as a ruler or recognizable object, for sizes
and distances when photographing evidence.

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Information Assessment

Slide 18
Information Assessment
• Compare notes
• Assess the credibility of witnesses
• Identify any corroborating information
• Identify any contradictory information
• Exercise caution in drawing conclusions

Information Assessment
Points to consider when assessing collected information and evidence:
• Compare notes (yours and those of other interviewers)
• Assess the credibility of witnesses (if necessary, factor in interpreter bias)
• Identify any corroborating information
• Identify any contradictory information
• Exercise caution in drawing conclusions

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Learning Outcome Assessment

It is up to the learning institution to decide whether the learning assessment
questions are used informally in a group question and answer session, or if they are
provided to the participants as a written quiz. In either case, it is recommended that
the correct answers are provided at the end of the assessment in order to ensure
participants are clear on the key messages.
At the end of the entire unit and/or the conclusion of the STMs instructors may want
to choose some of the following questions for review.

Questions
1. What is the definition of verification?
2. What is the aim of verification?
3. What are the phases of a verification/inspection?

Learning Outcome
1. Verification is “the process of establishing the truth or validity of something”.
2. The aim of verification is to support the success of the mandate or agreement
through an inspection and/or assessment to establish compliance or non-
compliance with that agreement.
3. There are three phases of a verification/inspection:
• Phase 1 Planning, preparation and briefing
• Phase 2 Execution
• Phase 3 Debriefing and reporting

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Learning Activity: Basic Investigation and Verification Techniques

exercise: role playing
Learning Activity Time Required:

10 minutes for activity introduction and instructions and

reading the scenario
20 minutes for perform the role-playing exercise
05 minutes debrief in small groups
10 minutes debrief in the plenary group
Total time: 45 minutes

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Optional Learning Activity: Case Study on UN Fact-Finding Mission

on the Gaza Conflict (Richard Goldstone)

Learning Activity Time Required:

05 minutes for activity introduction and instructions and

reading the scenario
10 minutes for watching the video clip
20 minutes For plenary discussion
10 minutes Wrap-up conclusions
Total time: 45 minutes

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UN Peacekeeping PDT Standards, Specialized Training Material for Military Experts on Mission 1
Edition 2011