A/HRC/42/CRP.1 statements provided to reputable human rights organisations where the Group of Experts was able to validate the methodology used to obtain the statement. Where the Group relied upon information contained in publications, it aimed to discuss the methodology, findings, and/or analysis with the author whenever possible. 19. In assessing the credibility and reliability of each direct source, the Group of Experts considered, inter alia: the means by which the witness obtained the information; the reasons why the witness may have provided the information; the physical location of the witness in relation to the event or incident; potential biases including political affiliations and personal interests; the physical location the witness provided the statement from and whether this could have led to coercion or caused the source to provide inaccurate information due to safety considerations; and the ability of the witness to accurately recall the events considering the time since the incident and factors that may add or detract from the ability of the witness to accurately recall the situation. 20. The Group of Experts also assessed the validity of information by considering its relevance to the inquiry, its internal consistency and coherence, its logic, and its consistency with and corroboration by other information. The Group of Experts distinguished between the reliability and credibility of the source and the validity of the information provided. Therefore, the Group did not assume that a witness, judged to be a credible and reliable source, would necessarily provide fully accurate and valid information in all aspects of their testimony. 21. Where this report refers to an account of a witness, the Group of Experts has assessed the statement to be truthful and relevant, unless stated otherwise. Witness statements and accounts of events in the report have been included as a demonstration of the evidence only, and should not be considered as the sole basis of judgment in relation to the issues under analysis. 22. The Group of Experts also identified incidents and patterns of conduct that it felt may have the potential to lead to future findings following further investigations, especially in cases where better access may be available. Such incidents and patterns of conduct are identified as allegations requiring further investigation. B. Attribution of responsibility 23. The Group of Experts, in fulfilment of its mandate, undertook efforts to identify those responsible for violations. Where the Group found information linking alleged perpetrators to specific violations or patterns of violations, such information has been transmitted to the High Commissioner for Human Rights on a strictly confidential basis. 24. In instances where there was insufficient information to identify particular individuals responsible for violations, the party or group responsible has been identified, where possible, both in this report, and, to the extent space allowed, in the Report of the Group of Eminent International and Regional Experts on Yemen as submitted to the High Commissioner for Human Rights. C. Protection of sources, victims, and witnesses 25. The Group of Experts and its secretariat gathered information with regard to the situation in Yemen by, inter alia, conducting interviews with victims, families of victims, refugees and displaced persons, community representatives, local authorities, members of non-governmental organizations, government officials and United Nations officials. 26. As a priority, the Group of Experts employed the best practices of fact-finding aimed at assuring the safety, security and well-being of witnesses and victims. To that end, the present report includes information only where sources granted informed consent and where disclosure would not lead to any identification or result in harm. 8