What should medical personnel do if they suspect torture or misuse of detainees?

Medical personnel have a professional and ethical obligation to report any suspicions of torture or misuse of detainees. By documenting their observations and reporting them through the appropriate chain of command, they not only fulfill their duty to provide care and protect the well-being of individuals, but they also help ensure accountability and adherence to ethical standards within the institution.

Reporting suspicions allows for an appropriate response to potential violations of human rights and promotes a culture of transparency and accountability. It is essential for maintaining the integrity of medical practice, especially in high-stakes environments such as detention facilities, where detainees' rights may be at risk.

Engaging in self-investigation or discussing findings with detainees lacks the necessary rigor and oversight required to address such serious allegations and may put both the personnel and detainees at further risk. Remaining silent is not an ethical option and could perpetuate ongoing harm, as silence does not protect one's position but rather endorses potential complicity in unethical practices. Therefore, documenting and reporting is the most responsible action a medical professional can take in these situations.