 to carry out effective investigations into allegations of ill-treatment, torture or unlawful killings, in accordance with the United Nations Principles on the matter. = At the stage of referral to justice, states are requested, for example:  to provide with a procedural status for victims and associations for the defence of victims of racism and xenophobia, such as the possibility of constituting a civil party or other similar modalities, enabling them to assert their rights in the criminal trial, at no cost to them;  to provide victims with effective legal and judicial assistance, including the free assistance of a lawyer and an interpreter;  to provide victims or their relatives with protection against any form of intimidation or retaliation;  to ensure that all victims are provided with the assistance and compensation mechanisms provided for them, without discrimination and regardless of their nationality or residence status. = At the stage of the trial, states are encouraged to place sufficient emphasis on the victims, their families and witnesses throughout the proceedings, by allowing the complainants to be heard by the judges within the framework of the trial, to have access to information, to confront unfavourable witnesses, to challenge evidence, to be informed of the progress of the proceedings, to receive fair and adequate compensation for the harm suffered, all within a reasonable time, without discrimination or prejudice and with respect for the dignity due to the victims of racial discrimination. *** 3- Measures for "prosecuted persons" in order to prevent racial discrimination against them in the functioning of criminal justice: The measures recommended by the General Recommendation concern each stage of the procedure Regarding persons prosecuted or "defendants": = At the stage of arrest, interrogation and arrest of persons, states shall:  to take the necessary measures to exclude interpellations, arrests and searches based exclusively on the persons’ physical appearance, colour, features, belonging to a "visible minority" or a racial or ethnic group, as well as any "profiling" that exposes them to greater suspicion;  to prevent and punish violence, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and all human rights violations against persons belonging to racial or ethnic minorities, especially when committed by state agents;