I N T E G R AT I N G A G E N D E R P E R S P E C T I V E I N T O H U M A N R I G H T S I N V E S T I G AT I O N S • G U I D A N C E A N D P R A C T I C E I Preparation The following sections will consider some key gender-related aspects during the critical phase of preparation for an investigation, ranging from the selection of a gender-balanced team to appropriate strategies to enhance the team’s knowledge about gender integration. A Gender balance and expertise on gender issues are among the several criteria taken into account in the selection of Human Rights Officers. In addition to selected staff, teams deployed to the field for investigative missions should include, to the extent possible, both female and male Human Rights Officers. Moreover, when deciding on who will conduct which interview(s), it is important to understand the possibly different impact on the victim, source or witness if they are interviewed by a man or a woman. Gender dynamics and cultural sensitivities should be taken into account when making such decisions. SELECTION OF THE TEAM The selection of Commissioners and Experts of CoIs/FFMs is normally the prerogative of the President of the Human Rights Council, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights or the Secretary-General, who have, since 2009, systematically appointed at least one female Commissioner/Expert to each CoI/FFM. United Nations Human Rights Officers, including those constituting the secretariats of CoIs and FFMs, are selected by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights or the SecretaryGeneral. When SGBV Investigators/Gender Advisers (hereinafter referred to as Gender Advisers) are part of the team to support monitoring or investigative efforts, their timely integration into the team is key to their effectively contributing to the integration of a gender perspective from the beginning of the preparation phase, and they 14