A/HRC/13/28 Following the recommendation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, a war victims trust fund was launched in December to establish a sustainable funding mechanism for the implementation of the reparations programme. Currently, however, there are not sufficient funds to implement the programme effectively. Under the leadership of the Executive Representative of the Secretary-General, the United Nations Family has identified the reparations programme as a priority area for support. A multi-donor trust fund has been established to attract funds for the implementation of the programmes outlined in the Joint Vision document (see paragraph 26 above), including the reparations programme. IV. Human rights activities of the Human Rights Section A. Human rights monitoring 45. The Human Rights Section, in close collaboration with civil society organizations and the Human Rights Commission, carried out regular monitoring of human rights throughout the country. Continuous monitoring allows any necessary adjustment to technical cooperation and capacity-building projects to be made to ensure effectiveness in the light of changing circumstances. Priority areas were health, education, child labour, sexual and gender-based violence, prison and detention facilities, local courts and the rights of women and children, among others. The Human Rights Section also engaged relevant authorities at different levels to address the issues identified through monitoring activities. 46. The human rights aspect of the chieftaincy election conducted in November and December in 40 chiefdoms was also monitored. The electoral commission was involved in the conduct of elections under the new Chieftaincy Act 2009; the electoral process was found to be relatively fair. However, some cases of discrimination resulting from customs and traditions of particular communities were reported. For example, in Gbampi Kamaranka chiefdom, in Bombali, a woman was harassed and barred from competing for the position of paramount chief. Similarly, a woman aspiring to the position of paramount chief in Kono district saw her candidacy denied and the High Court upheld the decision of the Provincial Secretary. In Kailahun district, Kissi-Teng chiefdom, a woman was denied the right to run for the position of paramount chief by the Provincial Secretary, despite the fact that she had been officially declared a candidate. 47. The Human Rights Section carried out extensive monitoring of local courts throughout the country from August to October 2009, during which time more than 100 local courts were visited and information collected. While preparation of the final report is under way, preliminary findings revealed that there were serious human rights issues associated with the functioning of local courts. Since local courts apply customary laws, there was inconsistency in procedures and decisions. Cases of exorbitant fines, arbitrary detention, the exercise of power beyond one’s jurisdiction and undue influence of traditional authorities on matters under consideration by local courts were rampant. Poor infrastructure negatively affected the effective functioning of courts, and the lack of regular supervision fostered corrupt practices. The low level of education on human rights issues and the lack of capacity of local court officials remained a concern. 48. Magistrate courts that included justices of the peace were also regularly visited. Justices of the peace complained that they had not been paid their sitting fees for a long time. For example, in November, during a visit to Tonkolili, one justice of the peace complained that he had not received sitting fees for the previous year. Magistrates in Freetown were found to be overloaded with cases, and the rights of suspects were violated owing to a lack of resident magistrates in many districts. 12 GE.10-10771