23 III. Monitoring implementation and compliance Security Council resolutions consistently mandate committees to monitor implementation of the sanctions measures with a view to strengthening, facilitating, and improving implementation by Member States; to examine and take appropriate action on information regarding alleged violations or non-compliance with the measures; and to encourage a dialogue between committees and interested Member States (and international, regional and subregional organizations), including by inviting their representatives to meet with the committee to discuss implementation issues. The Council tasks expert groups to assist the committees in their mandate by gathering, examining and analysing information from States, relevant United Nations bodies, regional organizations and other interested parties regarding the implementation of the measures, in particular incidents of non-compliance. As one HLR participant noted, expert groups are “the eyes and ears on the ground for the Security Council, providing key information in critical and sensitive areas.” A. Expert groups Information gathered by expert groups on behalf of committees is highly sensitive, both politically for the focus State of the regime or any other State named in the report, and reputationally for individuals or entities referenced. Stakeholder States consulted as part of the Review were particularly concerned about the objectivity and evidentiary basis of expert group reports, consultation with relevant States prior to publication of a report’s conclusions, as well as some capacity to update or correct the record following publication. They also sought a clearer understanding of the mandate of expert groups to visit or seek information on security sector institutions, noting the importance of balancing expert groups’ need for information with Member State’s security interests. Recommendations were advanced regarding the need for publicly available standardised methodology and guidelines on the criteria and conditions under which expert groups operate, including the handling of confidential information.