persons. By addressing crimes committed against minority communities, States signal a break with the past, contribute to rebuilding confidence in public institutions and deter future violations. Criminal prosecutions should be underpinned by a coherent and effective investigative and prosecutorial strategy. Prosecutions should be based on clear objectives and thorough investigations of all crimes on all sides of the conflict. Due to the scale of violations, it may not be realistic or possible, however, to try all perpetrators. Strategies for prosecution should therefore focus on the systemic aspects of serious human rights violations, and clear and transparent criteria should be used to select and prioritize cases for prosecution. Criminal justice efforts must also adhere to the principles of fair trial, due process and access to justice for victims, including minority victims. Prosecutions need to be supported by a robust communication and outreach strategy to minority communities in a language they understand, and preferably in their language, to explain and clarify judicial outcomes, as they may not always meet the expectations of minority victims. Attention should be paid not to expose victims and witnesses to repeat victimization or secondary victimization, including by protecting the identity of victims and witnesses. This is particularly important in cases of gender-based violence, which affects women disproportionally. iv. Reparations57 State-run reparations programmes should seek to redress damage suffered by minority victims or communities as a consequence of serious human rights violations committed against them. This can be achieved through restitution which, whenever possible, should restore victims to their original situation before serious violations of human rights law occurred. Reparations can also take the form of financial compensation to victims for their loss, while rehabilitation (for example through medical and psychological services or pension benefits) is another type of reparations. Sanctions against those liable for the violations also constitute reparations and so do efforts to locate those missing, abducted or killed. Reparation policies may be designed on the basis of recommendations made by truth commissions or national human rights institutions. Access to reparations should be as inclusive as possible to avoid any further marginalization of minority victims or communities, and to demonstrate the State’s commitment to address the past and to strengthen social cohesion. 57 40 UN Security Council (2004) Report of the Secretary-General: The Rule of Law and Transitional Justice in Conflict and Post-Conflict Societies, section XVI. The Graz Recommendations on Access to Justice and National Minorities