A/HRC/7/39 page 2 Some of the challenges to be faced relate to the consolidation of the demobilization of the paramilitaries, and the emergence of new illegal armed groups; both of them directly affect human rights. The magnitude of the tasks pending in the judicial proceedings under Law 975/2005 of 2005 (the “Justice and Peace Law”), and the persistence of obstacles to its full application, are causes of uncertainty and concern. There are important challenges in relation to the need to guarantee the participation of the victims in these processes. At the same time, the Supreme Court’s investigations, despite many obstacles and even threats, have made good progress in showing how seriously public institutions and society at large have been infiltrated by the paramilitaries and their organizations. During 2007, political decisions and measures were taken by the highest civilian and military authorities to counter the persistent extrajudicial executions attributed to the State security forces. The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People’s Army (FARC-EP) guerrillas and, to a lesser degree, the National Liberation Army (ELN), have not stopped committing serious breaches of international humanitarian law. Approximately 45 per cent of the population lives below the poverty line, including the majority of displaced persons; this situation hinders the full enjoyment of their rights. This report also includes information and analysis on disturbing human rights situations in groups that are especially vulnerable, including the victims of the internal armed conflict, displaced persons, indigenous groups, Afro-Colombians, women, trade unionists, human rights defenders, journalists and children. The report also summarizes the activities of the office in Colombia of OHCHR (the Office of the United High Commissioner for Human Rights) during 2007 and presents eight recommendations which, if carried out, would help to bring about a notable improvement in the situation of human rights and humanitarian law.