Juan E. Méndez (born December 11, 1944) is an Argentine lawyer, former United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment,[1] and a human rights activist known for his work on behalf of political prisoners.

[2] In 1970, he received his law degree from Stella Maris University in Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires province.

[2] He then worked as a Professor of Law and Director of the Center for Civil and Human Rights at the University of Notre Dame in the United States from October 1999 to 2004.

In 2016, as the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, Prof. Méndez submitted a thematic report to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly calling for the development of international standards for interviews based on scientific research, legal safeguards and ethical principles.

[13] A global Steering Committee of 15 members guided the process of drafting such a document, consulting an Advisory Council comprising more than 80 experts from over 40 countries.

In 2021, the Principles on Effective Interviewing for Investigations and Information Gathering -- based on science, law and ethics --was approved by the Steering Committee to realize the call.