• Whether one’s own knowledge of risks and that of the victims and witnesses has been taken into account. It is important to consult victims, witnesses and other relevant local actors about local or community-specific risks, as only they may be aware of them. 42 Assessing Risks to Unofficial Investigators 1. Is access to the area, and travel within it, dangerous? • Are armed groups, terrorist or criminal networks operating in the area or at the location itself? • Governmental authorities may be the perpetrators of serious human rights violations. Moreover, they may facilitate or foster an environment in which such abuses occur. Therefore, there may be times when the governmental authorities will be the subject of investigation. Unofficial investigators should be aware that governmental authorities might pose a danger for those engaged in investigating serious human rights violations and any people they interact or come into contact with (see Section 2.2.3 on Determining the Trustworthiness of Other Actors) • Are you or your team at risk of being targeted specifically? Is there a risk that you or your team may be subjected to threats from perpetrators, their families and supporters (this is especially problematic for local team members)? 2. Are the particular locations safe to visit? • Is access to the area or location safe? Is there a risk from ongoing fighting or from natural disasters such as floods, landslides or extreme weather conditions? • Are particular locations too far to access without staying overnight, and is this possible? • Is there risk of landmines or other unexploded ordnance at the location? • Is the location inside or near a building that might collapse? • Is there a risk of chemical, biological, or other type of contamination? 3. Are there any additional, non-physical risks? 42 Foreign and Commonwealth Office, International Protocol on the Documentation and Investigation of Sexual Violence in Conflict, 33-34 (2014). 40