international humanitarian law; and (b) experts on issues relevant to the situation under investigation (for example, the use of certain weapons, the situation of women). Public hearings in the context of international human rights fact-finding and investigations mechanisms are a complementary, rather than an exclusive, information-gathering method. The information obtained at the hearings may: serve to supplement information that the commission/mission has already received through its other fact-finding activities; constitute information that requires further verification by the commission/mission; or be information that stands on its own, neither supplementing existing information nor requiring further verification. Organizing public hearings is a complex undertaking and its advantages as an information-gathering method – primarily with respect to the higher visibility that such hearings provide for violations suffered by victims, the possibility for victims to have their voice directly heard and the added transparency of the proceedings – must be carefully weighed against the risks, resource implications and complexity. While proceedings are informal, it is important to set clear rules in advance, and ensure that they are well known to and understood by all involved. It is important to ensure that appropriate psychological support is available for participants. Participation in such hearings is fully voluntary and must be based on informed consent. Given the heightened exposure of witnesses, victims and sources of information through this public procedure, the commission/mission must pay special attention to the risks The United Nations Fact-finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict conducts public hearings in Gaza to enable victims, witnesses and experts from all sides of the conflict to speak directly to the international community. UN / OHCHR Photo GUIDANCE AND PRACTICE 55