investigators should consider whether the information the person is likely to provide could be obtained elsewhere or through means that do not require a meeting in person. (c) Initial contact When making initial contact, it is thus essential for investigators to assess the conditions in which contact can take place without risk. The focus should be on protecting the identity of cooperating persons and ensuring that it is not widely known that they have been in contact with the commission/mission. Investigators can contact victims, witnesses or sources directly or through an intermediary, such as a trusted person in the community (e.g., tribal or religious leader) or a civil society organization. (d) Visibility or discretion Investigators usually choose discretion as the standard approach to protection and make all efforts to draw the least possible attention to the persons they are meeting. It is of paramount importance to protect the identity of the persons and to take all measures to avoid exposing them and the contact with investigators to those who pose a threat. In some situations visibility may be the better option and may afford the cooperating person a measure of protection. However, should investigators opt for visibility, they must first discuss this with the victims, witnesses or sources concerned and obtain their views on the suitability of this approach, and their informed consent. (e) Minimizing exposure It is very challenging for members and investigators to go unnoticed when travelling in United Nations or other identifiable official vehicles and accompanied by security personnel in an area where foreigners or vehicles are rare. Investigators should adopt measures, without undermining their own security, to reduce the exposure of the community and the persons they will be meeting. For example, the investigator could arrange for a trusted intermediary to make contact with the person and to accompany the interviewee to a prearranged private venue and the investigator could enter and leave the venue separately from the interviewee. (f) Organizing and conducting interviews An investigator could take a range of preventive measures when organizing and conducting interviews, including: • Selecting a venue that protects the identity of the interviewee, ensures his or her safety and guarantees the confidentiality of the information provided. In some instances, it may be preferable to conduct the interviews on United Nations premises. In other instances, a hotel room may be the preferred option; 78 COMMISSIONS OF INQUIRY AND FACT-FINDING MISSIONS ON INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS AND HUMANITARIAN LAW