A/HRC/15/33 against organized crime has been noted. Indeed, practice at international tribunals has shed some light on the protection of witnesses, victims and others involved in trials for crimes related to gross violations of human rights and serious violations of international humanitarian law. However, there are few examples of witness protection programmes operating at the national level in respect of trials involving human rights violations. 69. States need to consider developing comprehensive witness protection programmes covering all types of crimes, including gross human rights violations and serious violations of international humanitarian law. Furthermore, witness protection in human rights trials requires some particular elements. In this regard, the development of a normative framework based on existing legal obligations aimed at enhancing common standards and best practices may be useful. The objective is to serve as guidance to States in protecting witnesses and others concerned with providing cooperation in trials for gross human rights violations and serious violations of international humanitarian law. 70. The protection of witnesses should be considered from the initial police investigation through to the actual trial. In this regard, capacity-building of police, prosecutor and judicial institutions is needed, and the integrity and public credibility of these institutions must be ensured. In short, a justice sector strategy must be developed, of which witness protection is an important part. 71. The effectiveness of witness protection methods should be ensured through the provision of adequate financial, technical and political support for programmes at the national level. The Human Rights Council can play an important role in conveying this message. The expertise of regional institutions should also be taken into consideration in finding ways of international collaboration. GE.10-15173 19