Do not share any information if the trustworthiness of local authorities and police chiefs cannot be determined. Protect yourself and your information. Take into account the possibility of random searches, and avoid carrying any information on yourself. Maintain a secure and confidential storage for your information (see Section 4.2.3 on Storage of Information) and always make sure to inform someone on your whereabouts and alert your embassy if you are on foreign territory. Trustworthiness of Other Actors in the Area Conduct similar precautions before working together and sharing information with other actors that work in the area. Trustworthiness of Team Members (Including Interpreters and Intermediaries) It is moreover necessary to determine the trustworthiness of one’s own team members. This can be done by vetting all team members, including interpreters, any intermediaries and any drivers. While vetting team members, take into consideration, in particular, a person’s criminal record; prior or current associations with any armed or political groups; associations with others who are associated with armed or political groups; their objectivity and sensitivity; their discretion and respect for authority; and their ability to set aside communal and traditional constructs and work within the framework and mandate of the team. 50 Make sure to discuss in clear terms the scope of the confidentiality that is required and the purpose/approach of the information-gathering exercise. Ensure that all team members understand and agree to comply with the confidentiality, security and data protection guidelines developed. Ensure that all team members understand and agree to comply with the approach of the information-gathering. Trustworthiness of Victims and Witnesses With regard to the trustworthiness of victims and witnesses: 50 Foreign and Commonwealth Office, International Protocol on the Documentation and Investigation of Sexual Violence in Conflict, 114 (2014). 46

Select target paragraph3

Connect to a paragraph
Connect to an entity
Disable highlights
Add to table of contents