A/HRC/60/18 situations, which sometimes includes the risk of arrest and deportation to Myanmar, where they may face persecution, detention and even execution. In this context, the Mechanism plays a critical role in mitigating these risks by facilitating secure and confidential investigative interviews, coordinating protection measures for high-risk witnesses and addressing identified mental health and other psychosocial concerns. The Mechanism’s ability to address risks related to the safety and well-being of its witnesses also requires the cooperation of Member States. 56. The Mechanism takes all feasible steps to safeguard the safety and well-being of individuals before, during and after their cooperation with the personnel of the Mechanism. These measures are embedded across all aspects of the Mechanism’s operations, from information collection to information sharing. Over time, the number of victims and witnesses requiring ongoing protection and support has grown steadily, leading to a yearly rise in individuals requiring such support. During the reporting period, the Mechanism conducted over 220 contact risk assessments, aimed at identifying specific security risks and ensuring that witnesses could engage with the Mechanism in a secure manner. However, the Mechanism is not a security service and does not have the ability to provide physical security or to authorize travel and entry into any country. Rather, it relies on the collaboration and support of Member States to ensure the protection of witnesses. 57. In an effort to improve psychosocial support for witnesses, the Mechanism conducted a significant number of psychosocial risk assessments to identify measures that reduce potential negative effects on their mental health and retraumatization due to their cooperation with the Mechanism. In addition, numerous individuals have been referred to external service providers to receive medical and psychosocial support, as provided for in the Mechanism’s term of reference. B. Language support 58. The diversity of linguistic groups in Myanmar adds a layer of complexity to the Mechanism’s activities. Most of the information and evidence that the Mechanism has collected is in the Myanmar language (Burmese), Rohingya, or other languages used in Myanmar, and is written in different scripts and with different file formats. In addition, the majority of victims, witnesses, sources and civil society stakeholders speak Burmese, Rohingya or other languages used in Myanmar. Accordingly, the Mechanism requires timely and accurate language translation and interpretation capabilities to effectively conduct its collection and analytical activities as well as to engage routinely and meaningfully with a wide range of stakeholders. 59. The Mechanism’s small Language Support Services Section continues to deliver timely translation, interpretation and language verification services, not only in Burmese but also in the Rakhine, Rohingya, Karen, Mizo Chin, Falam Chin, Jinghpaw and Shan languages. These services play a crucial role across the Mechanism, supporting ongoing investigations, public information and outreach efforts, witness protection and support activities and security coordination functions. C. Security of personnel, assets and information technology 60. The work of the Mechanism is highly sensitive and its activities require the highest levels of discretion and confidentiality to ensure the integrity of the investigations and the safety and security of its personnel, premises, information assets and operations. The Mechanism continuously monitors the deteriorating security situation in areas that have a direct impact on its work, ensuring effective risk mitigation and adapting to emerging threats when necessary. 61. Since the February 2021 coup in Myanmar, there has been a significant rise in security threats and risks to the Mechanism. This rise is the result of the continued increase in serious international crimes in Myanmar and the accompanying increase in investigative activities in high-risk locations and in engagement with high-risk witnesses. The Mechanism incorporates security considerations before, during and after investigative activities in order to continually 14 GE.25-10777