A/HRC/24/23 them and the State to facilitate the use of information to strengthen accountability processes is strongly encouraged. 59. States should also cooperate with any regional accountability mechanisms, including human rights courts, addressing cases of attacks on journalists. D. Protection measures 60. There is a wide range of initiatives that the State can adopt to protect journalists and other media professionals through prevention, as well as reducing the impact of attacks. The issuing of immediate and unequivocal public condemnations of any attacks against journalists and other media professionals is an important measure. 61. Training is a key aspect of prevention. As a matter of standard procedure, training should be provided to law enforcement personnel and the military, prosecutors and the judiciary regarding their obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and how to ensure effective fulfilment of those obligations. Such training may also focus on dealing with particular areas of risk for journalists, such as protests and public events, in accordance with international human rights standards. 62. Training should also be provided to members of the armed forces and journalist and media organizations regarding international human rights and international humanitarian law obligations applicable during armed conflict, the legitimacy of the presence of journalists during situations of armed conflict, and practices and procedures to minimize risks to journalists. Collaboration with international and regional organizations and civil society in providing such training could greatly enhance their effectiveness. 63. State authorities should investigate promptly and thoroughly all reports of threats against journalists, and take any necessary and appropriate steps to ensure that the individual is protected from further threats and/or physical attack. In this respect, the protection of journalists can be significantly strengthened through the establishment of an early warning and rapid response mechanism to give journalists and other media professionals, if threatened, immediate access to the authorities and protective measures. The mechanism should be an official State entity with high-level recognition and be sufficiently funded to function effectively. It should be established in consultation with journalists and other media professionals and organizations, and have the confidence of the media community. Once established, the mechanism should be composed of representatives from relevant State organs concerned with law enforcement and human rights, together with representatives from civil society, including journalist and media organizations. 64. Access to the mechanism should be available to all journalists and other media professionals, and particularly those working on high-risk issues, such as corruption and organized crime. Following any determination that an individual needs protection, the mechanism should be able to provide material measures of protection, including mobile telephones and bulletproof vests, as well as establish safe havens and emergency evacuation or relocation to safe parts of the country or other countries through a protection programme. Such programmes, including witness protection programmes, must operate efficiently and on a rapid-response basis, and should not be used in such a way as to unduly restrict the work of journalists and other media professionals. In countries where attacks against journalists are of particular concern, States should seriously consider establishing special protection programmes in consultation with journalists and civil society. 65. Where early warning systems, such as hotlines or 24-hour emergency contact points, have been established by media organizations or civil society, States should facilitate immediate assistance for individuals identified at risk and their families. 16