Ethical Requirements for Testimony Collection

Create a safe and trusting environment

• The interviewer should start by presenting him*herself and the project. The interviewer should try to make the witness feel at ease and explain that he*she would like to hear about their experiences and perceptions.

• Inform the witness about the “Informed Consent” sheet, which is part of the document “Testimonies Collection Form” and collect the signed sheet after the interview has been conducted. Explain that it is possible to make the testimony anonymously, and may be used in publications.

• At all times, make sure the witness understands what you will do with the information provided to you throughout the course of the interview process.

• Keep in mind that the interview should also benefit the witness, for example by helping them to better understand their rights during the interview and the participation. With this in mind, the interviewer is a “transmitter” of information and must share relevant information with the witness on rights concerning access to healthcare and other available services, if he*she has reliable information on those matters.

• Choose a quiet location to ensure a high degree of privacy and confidentiality. The location might be suggested by the witness.

• Respect the pace of the interviewee and avoid putting pressure on the witness; if you feel that he*she does not wish to continue, respect his*her wish and stop the interview.
Make sure that the witness understands the limitations of the tribunal

• The witness must be made aware that the tribunal is not an actual judicial process and that its verdict is not legally binding. Therefore, his*her participation in the tribunal cannot influence his*her access to healthcare or legal status.
Collect the story from the person’s perspective

• The main objective of the testimonies is to illustrate the witness’ perspective, his*her social environment, and his*her experiences regarding the right to health.

• It is important to record each testimony from the witness’ perspective as he*she presents it. Allow him*her to answer in his*her own terms, voicing his*her own views, values and experiences. Let the witness speak on a topic of mutual interest and let them guide the interview. Let the witness provide information that he*she thinks is important. The interviewer should not interpret or express his*her own conclusions of the given information during the interview.

Avoid a judgmental attitude and feeling of guilt

• The interview should be conducted in a manner that aims for neutrality in order to allow the interviewee to freely describe his*her experiences and situation from his*her perspective. It is important to carefully phrase questions in order to reinforce mutual trust. Remember to use open-ended questions, to avoid leading questions, to probe issues in depth, and to let the interviewee lead.

• Ask questions that demonstrate a sincere interest in what the person has to say. Do not make moral judgements about the witness’ experiences shared during the interview. Further, you should assure to not develop feelings of judgement or guilt, for example towards parents who are unable to obtain care for their children. Instead try to understand the context the situation is placed in.