The University centre for legal medicine (Geneva-Lausanne), the Geneva Academy of international humanitarian law and human rights, the University of Bern, the International centre for prison studies (King's college London), the International committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in collaboration with the European committee for the prevention of torture (CPT), are undertaking research concerning the conditions under which deaths in custody should be investigated and prevented in ethically acceptable ways, based on principles and procedures in line with respect for human rights and humanitarian law.The project comprises a comprehensive review of the scientific literature; the analysis of international law and existing guidelines and legal documents worldwide ; and interviews with experts in forensic medicine, criminology,law and human rights with experience in prisons, including experts from the CPT, the ICRC, and relevant NGOs.The aim is to know more about appropriate and most efficient ways to obtain independent death investigations in custody not only in rich countries, but also in countries without forensic infrastructure.The results of these interviews will be combined with the prior analytic work to produce draft practice guidelines which could be of use for ICRC delegates and other persons confronted with deaths in custody.