A/HRC/45/60 33. The COVID-19 pandemic has not disrupted the drafting and development of these internal documents, and the Mechanism remains on track to complete and adopt them in line with its workplan. 34. The Mechanism has also been taking measures to expand its physical and digital storage capacity and to implement the most up-to-date information technology system with the necessary protections for information security and cybersecurity. 35. The Mechanism is in the process of developing its evidence management framework, in line with United Nations standards, which will govern the Mechanism’s handling of the information, documentation and evidence it receives and collects. As part of the development of this framework, the Mechanism has established an initial electronic infrastructure to safely store material that it currently receives and collects. The Mechanism has procured a suite of electronic discovery tools, which will equip the Mechanism with the necessary capabilities to set up an information governance system that will facilitate the identification, collection, preservation, processing, review, analysis and production of electronically stored information. 36. As part of its information security and cybersecurity efforts, the Mechanism has also acquired equipment and hardware that are secured by encryption and strict administrative controls. In addition, the Mechanism has established a cybersecurity programme that covers not only the Mechanism’s information storage systems, but also the security of the equipment used by personnel. This programme includes the capability to respond quickly to any cybersecurity incidents as well as awareness-building and training programmes to ensure that Mechanism personnel are regularly updated on cybersecurity issues and protective measures. The progress of the cybersecurity programme is regularly monitored by an internal Risk Management Board. 37. While the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted some of the Mechanism’s ongoing processes, this was not the case for the information security and cybersecurity aspects of the Mechanism’s work, which intensified in order to respond to the additional need for such services owing to the pandemic. In early March 2020, when it became apparent that regular access to its premises might not be possible for an extended period of time, the Mechanism quickly prepared the necessary infrastructure, assessed the security of its equipment, and developed policies and modalities so that its personnel could work remotely in a secure manner. When its premises closed in mid-March 2020 and a full-time remote working arrangement was put in place for all personnel, the Mechanism was able to continue its operations in a secure manner, with little or no interruption. Collection, consolidation, preservation and analysis of information, documentation and evidence, and the building of case files 38. As regards the collection of information, documentation and evidence, in September 2019, the Mechanism received copies of all material in the possession of the independent international fact-finding mission on Myanmar for which consent to share with the Mechanism had been obtained from the providers of the information. 39. In addition, the Mechanism has been identifying other entities and individuals that may be in possession of relevant information or be in a position to provide support for the Mechanism’s activities. Among them are any national authority, United Nations entity, international organization, non-governmental organization, civil society actor and entity that is engaged in investigative, fact-finding and reporting activities. It is crucial that the Mechanism engages with and receives the cooperation of such entities for the provision of relevant information and support. 40. In general, once such entities or individuals are identified, the Mechanism proceeds to make formal requests for specific categories or types of information relevant to its mandate. The Mechanism also engages in dialogue regarding the conditions under which the information could be provided and potentially shared in the future with national, regional or international judicial authorities. If requested by the providing entity or if the Mechanism foresees that it will make multiple requests for information to a particular entity, the Mechanism may also negotiate frameworks for cooperation to set out the applicable modalities. 7