(c) Information report When documentary, photographic, video or similar information is collected, it is important to have a formal record regarding each piece of information, including the name of the source, the name of the person who collected it and the date on which it was collected. The record could be in the form of an information report, which will allow the investigator to also record his or her observations or opinions regarding the information and the source. Information reports should be in electronic format in the commission’s/mission’s database, allowing access by those who require it. Information reports provide important information that could assist later evaluation and analysis of information. Date of collection 24 March 2014 Description of source/ name Prison Staff Union official / wants to remain anonymous Security classification / protection concerns Information to remain confidential / source concerned about safety Collector Mamsy Description of information Confidential report by Union on conditions in Central Prison Observations Source has more information – need to develop relationship of trust Validity of information Document seems authentic – may need further corroboration Reliability of source Medium – has access to confidential information but also union leader with possible bias 2. SOURCES OF INFORMATION During any investigation, information is gathered from a variety of sources, including primary sources (such as victims, witnesses, investigators’ direct observations at the locations where facts occurred and declarations by alleged perpetrators) and secondary sources (such as second-hand testimonies, the media, information provided by human rights NGOs, medical reports and certificates). Information comes in various forms: oral testimony, documents, video material, photographs, personal observations and satellite images. It is important for commissions/missions to access and use a broad and diversified range of sources. Particular attention needs to be paid to ensuring that the choice of sources enables a comprehensive identification and analysis of violations and of how they 42 COMMISSIONS OF INQUIRY AND FACT-FINDING MISSIONS ON INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS AND HUMANITARIAN LAW