or with members, including by being aware of possible tapping, as well as avoiding exchanging confidential or sensitive information over mobile phones or insecure means. Investigators need to consider how the information they have gathered can be securely transported when they are on field missions. When possible, they should transmit confidential information via a secure Internet connection to Geneva (or other relevant HQ) and not carry it with them. Investigators should avoid using public or hotel Internet facilities to transmit sensitive and confidential data. Usually, United Nations vehicles and staff cannot be searched, but it may happen, and investigators need to plan possible action to protect information when faced with such situations. Investigators should not peruse confidential and sensitive information in public places, such as in a restaurant or at an airport, as it could be read by others or inadvertently left behind. 5. RESPONDING TO ALLEGATIONS OF THREATS OR REPRISALS The protection of persons or groups subject to reprisals or facing threats of reprisals should be of the utmost concern to the commission/mission. Information on risks or threats against cooperating persons must be thoroughly assessed. It is therefore important to follow a thorough methodology to gather and verify information regarding allegations of threats or reprisals and, based on that analysis, determine which protective measures should be taken. In close consultation with the person at risk, a protection response should include: • Verifying the facts surrounding the allegation of a threat or reprisal; • Assessing if immediate protective action is required given the nature and seriousness of the threat, the vulnerability of the person at risk and his or her capacity for protection; • Mapping the protective measures that may be available to the person at risk; • Identifying the best course of action given the specific circumstances of the case (e.g., family situation of the person at risk, his or her educational and professional background, mobility); • Determining how measures will be put in practice; • Working closely with the person at risk and relevant partners in their implementation, regular review and follow-up; • Closing a protection case when it is deemed that the threat no longer exists or the risk has been minimized to an acceptable level. Protective measures by the commission/mission could include: • Advocacy and engagement with the national authorities, stressing their human rights obligations, including their duty to protect those at risk and to prosecute offenders; GUIDANCE AND PRACTICE 81