The security of information may be breached because of improper storage and careless handling. All confidential and sensitive information should be securely stored on the commission’s/mission’s database. When hard copies of documents and information need to be kept, these should be stored in lockable filing cabinets and access restricted to staff who need to use them. When information is transferred from notebooks to the database, the notebooks should be kept securely locked until the commission/mission is disbanded. Any information stored on the hard drive of a computer should be encrypted and protected by an additional password. Information that is not needed by the commission/mission during its tenure (for example, documents that have been scanned and uploaded to the database) or at the end of its mandate should be shredded. Under no circumstances should notes or documents be discarded in waste or recycling bins. Confidential and sensitive information needs to be handled with care at all times, including when circulated among the staff or shared with members. Internal reports or briefing notes should conceal or delete any information that could lead to the identification of the sources. Care should be taken during telephone calls among staff A United Nations human rights team talks to victims’ families in Côte d’Ivoire. 80 UN Photo / Basile Zoma COMMISSIONS OF INQUIRY AND FACT-FINDING MISSIONS ON INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS AND HUMANITARIAN LAW