A/HRC/19/56/Add.1 identities remain salient. However, 17 years is too short a period for such tragic memories to be erased. 83. Efforts by the Government to forge unity through a national Rwandan identity and to diminish the role of ethnicity as a destructive force are laudable. It is also important to guarantee the rights of individuals and communities to freely express their ethnic identity and culture. These are not incompatible, but Government suppression of identity is inconsistent with this second value. In fact, rather than suppressing discussion of ethnicity, at crucial points, Government may need to be explicit in demonstrating that all people are equal regardless of ethnicity by deliberately including members of all groups in every Government decision-making body, as has been done to recognise the equality of women. 84. In order to achieve the goals of social cohesion, unity and reconciliation, legitimate group-based concerns need to be expressly addressed and those rights fulfilled. Where inequalities based on ethnicity have existed, whether intentionally or de facto, corrective special measures must be undertaken to establish equal enjoyment of rights. A critical tool to implement this policy is the collection and publication of data regarding all aspects of the socio-economic situation in the country and political participation that is disaggregated along ethnic and socio-religious lines. 85. Social cohesion, particularly in States with a history of ethnic-based violence, is a long-term goal that is best achieved through dialogue; open and constructive discussion and uncensored debate that allows grievances to be aired and solutions to be sought transparently and collectively. In this respect, the national dialogues on issues relevant to ethnicity, national identity and reconciliation undertaken by the Institute of Research and Dialogue for Peace, in collaboration with government, are highly commendable. It is a public process which has been useful to assess progress, identify challenges, and build confidence. A. Reconciliation mechanisms 86. An important part of the difficult healing process achieved to date has been brought about through dialogue and the courage to come together – victims and perpetrators – to confront the past. Despite enormous challenges and significant deficiencies, the gacaca court system has been instrumental in creating a pathway for communities to move forward. An in-depth analysis of the gacaca court process and its outcomes is beyond the scope of this report. 87. Nevertheless, the independent expert urges the Government, as it brings the gacaca process to a close, to put in place a long-term strategy that recognizes the continuing need for community-centred reconciliation mechanisms. Reconciliation must be considered to be an ongoing process. Alleged perpetrators of genocide continue to return to Rwanda from neighbouring countries and settle back into communities where their crimes were committed. Returns open wounds in the community that must be addressed through a community process. Furthermore, precautions must be taken to ensure the security of individuals and the community as a whole. 88. The situation and needs of women who suffered rape and other sexual violence and who may be living with HIV/AIDS must be given high priority, including to ensure their access to life-saving medication. 20