Undertaking Effective Investigations A Guide for National Human Rights Institutions 5. REQUESTING DOCUMENTS AND OTHER POSSIBLE EVIDENCE As the interview is set up, specific requests should be made for anything the interviewee may have, or may have access to, that might be relevant to the investigation. That might include documents, e-mails, recorded voicemails, photographs or video. The interviewee may assume that the investigator already has a certain piece of evidence or may not realize that it is important or relevant to the investigation. If the material cannot be accessed prior to the interview, the investigator should ask the person to bring it to the interview. Obtaining and reviewing documents is discussed in more detail in Chapter 24. 6. CHOOSING A LOCATION FOR THE INTERVIEW Safety The most important factor to consider in setting up face-to-face interviews is the safety of the investigator and interviewee. Many NHRI investigators very bravely put themselves at risk to gather evidence. For example, investigators from the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission who collected evidence for a 2012 report into aspects of policing in Afghanistan faced a very challenging task, given the volatile environment.39 If there is any concern over personal safety, the investigator should consider completing a risk assessment. This applies to all interviews, not just those in conflict zones. NHRIs can often deal with people who are angry, scared, frustrated or volatile. Some may have psycho-social disabilities. Basic precautions must be taken in these situations, such as ensuring that there are always two investigators present at an interview. Convenience to all involved Being involved in an investigation in any capacity – as a witness, victim, suspect or subject – takes time and there may be a lot at stake. It may be a victim’s only opportunity to share what has happened or a respondent’s only opportunity to explain why they did what they did. Make the process as convenient as possible, particularly if vulnerable witnesses are involved. That may involve going to them to do the interview, rather than requiring them to come to the NHRI. In many cases, going to where a group of witnesses live makes sense. On the other hand, it may be more convenient to hold an interview at the NHRI office, especially if a series of interviews are being conducted in a limited period of time or the investigator intends to refer to a number of documents during the interview. Where the interviewee will feel most comfortable If a witness feels comfortable, they will generally be more forthcoming. Even an evasive witness may provide more information if they feel comfortable. This may be a reason to interview a person in an environment such as their home or workplace. Take any gender and other cultural considerations into account. Cost The cost of conducting an interview may be an issue to consider. Is it cheaper for the investigator to go to the witness or, in some circumstances, to pay for the witness to come to the investigator? 39 76 From Arbaki to Local Police: Today’s Challenges and Tomorrow’s Concerns; Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission; 2012; available at https://www.aihrc.org.af/home/research_report/1073.