This manual is intended to serve as international guidelines for the assessment of persons who allege torture and ill-treatment, for investigating cases of alleged torture and for reporting findings to the judiciary or any other investigative body. These principles outline minimum standards for States in order to ensure the effective documentation of torture. International standards also establish a duty for lawyers, in carrying out their professional functions, to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms. With respect to this issue the High Commissioner refers to the Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers.