f. Recording statements and affidavits: A statement is simply a written account of an incident provided by a person and using their own words. An affidavit is a sworn statement, reduced to writing and notarized. This means that the person has sworn, in front of a lawyer or judicial officer, that the contents of the statement are true. NCHR is empowered under Section 13 of the Act to both examine witnesses on oath and to receive evidence in the form of affidavits. The question of whether information should be recorded in the form of a statement or on an affidavit depends on whether the information is to be included in an internal or external report or used in legal proceedings. If it is to be used in a report, then it may be sufficient to collect a statement from an interviewee. However, if the information is intended for use in legal proceedings, such as a criminal prosecution of the perpetrators of torture, or it is the basis of a formal complaint, then it may be necessary to obtain an affidavit or examine him/her under oath. g. Record of information: All the information gathered in relation to an allegation of torture should be properly recorded in a file, including: testimonies statements or complaints medical records photographs affidavits information and responses from the authorities other information (such as reports from on-site visits to places of detention). In addition, NCHR should also keep reports of torture and ill-treatment from other sources, including: decisions in relevant court cases reports prepared by non-governmental organizations reports of international and regional bodies (such as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture or the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture) media reports of torture. 16