commission/mission may also explore potential options for the granting of asylum to witnesses, victims and their families and their possible relocation to countries in the region or other countries. If the analysis of the security conditions in the country in which the inquiry will take place indicates that the investigation will substantially jeopardize the safety of sources, the commission/mission should: (i) Revisit the use of protection measures and the methodology of its investigation to see if this might be sufficient to ensure the safety of sources; (ii) Consider whether it can gather adequate information in other locations and from other sources where there are fewer protection concerns; or (iiI) Consider whether the field mission as a whole should be pursued or cancelled, in which case it should make a clear public statement about the source of the threats. 3. PREVENTIVE MEASURES Prevention is key in the protection of persons cooperating with the commission/mission. It involves respecting fundamental principles and methods of work which enable investigations to be conducted in a manner that does not jeopardize the safety of those who come in contact with the commission/mission. Preventive measures should be taken throughout the investigation but in particular when gathering information, during which cooperating persons may be most exposed to risk. (a) Planning The risk assessment is part of the planning process and will inform investigators of the potential risks faced by persons with whom they may come into contact and the preventive measures they could take. Investigators are required to consider a range of issues when making contact with victims, witnesses and sources and interviewing them. Some of these issues are: • Who is the person to be interviewed? Is this interview a priority? • How will the investigator make contact with the interviewee? Directly or through an intermediary? • Where will the interview take place? Does it allow for confidentiality? (b) Prioritizing among contacts Investigators should prioritize victims, witnesses or sources who are able to provide relevant information, are accessible, and are least vulnerable to risk of harm as a result of their interaction with the commission/mission. If the risk of harm is too high, GUIDANCE AND PRACTICE 77