Conversations with History: Institute of International Studies, UC Berkeley

See the Conversations with History Blog See a webcast of this interview: Reyes

This interview is part of the Institute's "Conversations with History" series, and uses Internet technology to share with the public Berkeley's distinction as a global forum for ideas.

Welcome to a Conversation with History. I'm Harry Kreisler of the Institute of International Studies. Our guest today is Hernán Reyes. He is a medical doctor and medical coordinator for detention-related activities for the International Committee of the Red Cross.

1. Background ... internationalist childhood ... the UN school ... books and movies about prison ... parents ... choosing medicine
2. Joining the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) ... choosing prison work ... ICRC history ... Geneva Conventions
3. Visiting Prisoners ... the work defined ... baseline standards ... torture
4. Establishing Trust ... negotiating ... first visit ... preparation ... using interpreters ... privacy ... the interview ... professionalism vs. bonding
5. Prisoners' Survival Techniques ... coping with solitary confinement ... women prisoners ... being prepared for torture
6. Preconditions for Prison Visits ... baseline conditions ... continuity ... transparency ... working with many levels of government
7. In the Field ... the hunger striker ... frustrations ... interviewing
8. Advice for Students ... learn about the culture ... story: the hidden meaning of a t-shirt
9. Looking to the Future ... new groups entering the fray ... changing sense of neutrality

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