A/HRC/7/37 page 6 7. A progress report on the protection of civilians, point (b) of the Five-Point Action Plan, is provided in the sixth report of the Secretary-General on the protection of civilians in armed conflict (S/2007/643). The report contains a description of progress and challenges in implementing the framework for the protection of civilians laid out by the Security Council in its resolution 1674 (2006), including the denial of life-saving access to civilians in need; the practice of sexual violence in conflicts and its devastating impact on individuals and communities; the critical need to address more consistently the impact of conflict on housing, land and property; and the importance of eliminating the humanitarian toll of cluster munitions. The report ends with a set of key actions for the consideration of the Council, all aimed at further strengthening the protection framework in areas that require more prompt and systematic action. 8. An update on ending impunity, point (c) of the Five-Point Action Plan, is provided in the report of the Secretary-General entitled “Uniting our strengths: enhancing United Nations support for the rule of law” (A/61/636-S/2006/980). While progress is noted, the report highlights acute needs with regard to the rule of law and transitional justice expertise in conflict and post-conflict societies. The centrality of the rule of law to the Organization had resulted in many parts of the system becoming engaged in a wide range of rule of law activities. Early in 2007, the Secretary-General established the Rule of Law Coordination and Resource Group, chaired by the Deputy Secretary-General, to ensure quality control, greater policy coherence and coordination. The rule of law unit was established also to support the Deputy Secretary-General and the Group in carrying out and implementing their functions.1 The unit provides a central address for the rule of law to strengthen and rationalize United Nations rule of law capacities among various departments, agencies, funds and programmes by serving as the focal point for system-wide rule of law activities to ensure coordination and coherence; develop system-wide strategies, policy direction and guidance; and to enhance partnerships between the United Nations and the many other actors engaged in the rule of law. 9. “Early and clear warning” and “swift and decisive action”, points (d) and (e) of the Five-Point Action Plan, are not the subject of a specific report, although the issues are taken up in the multiple reports on the activities of many United Nations entities, including those of the Special Adviser. The situation in Kenya (see also paragraph 28 below) following the elections of December 2007 is the most recent example of a crisis and international reaction thereto. The response from the international community appears to have been strong and concerted, in comparison to actions on previous country situations, although it is too early to determine the long-term effectiveness of the response. Based on initial indications, the Special Adviser notes that there were some early warnings within the United Nations system with regard to a potential crisis in the context of the elections. However, warnings may not have received adequate recognition or response. The situation in Kenya offers the opportunity for a case study to draw lessons learned for the purpose of improving early warning and swift and decisive action. 10. The post of Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide and Mass Atrocities was described as one element of the early and clear warning component of the Five-Point Action Plan (see also section III below). 1 The establishment of the Group and the unit was endorsed by the General Assembly in its resolution 62/70 of 6 December 2007.