A/HRC/30/59 borders — to be registered for, and participate in, the elections. Measures must be taken to allow those persons to exercise their political rights and participate in the referendum on the Constitution as well as the presidential and legislative elections. 105. The fight against impunity must also be effective, and it would be deplorable if individuals responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights were to be reinstated in politics with impunity, as has happened in the past. The Independent Expert notes that the first criminal hearings since 2010 began in Bangui on 29 June 2015. That is a positive sign of the commitment of the State to re-establish the rule of law. 106. After the election set for October and a return to constitutional order, it will be necessary to remain steadfast in pursuing efforts toward reconciliation. This must be done through the promotion and protection of the rights of persons belonging to minority groups. The protection of minorities has often been demonstrated to be an effective way of preventing and resolving conflicts and building societies that are stable and open to all persons in post -conflict situations. The Interfaith Platform and other national and internat ional initiatives have played an important role in reconciliation and the protection of minorities. 107. Finally, the Independent Expert recalls that the participation of women in the decision-making process, in particular as candidates and voters, is essential, as are efforts to help uneducated and jobless young people win back their place in society and envisage a future without violence. B. Recommendations 108. The Independent Expert reiterates the recommendations contained in her previous report (A/HRC/26/53) and calls on the Government, with the support of the international community, to: (a) Bring to justice all perpetrators of violations of international humanitarian law and human rights, irrespective of their status or political affiliation. She recalls in this regard that some of these acts may constitute crimes under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, to which the Central African Republic is a party; (b) Take measures to prevent gender-based violence and especially sexual violence on the part of all belligerents, and ensure the protection of civilians, especially women; (c) Formulate a national strategy for combating impunity, so as to ensure that perpetrators of serious human rights violations, including sexual violence, are brought to justice; investigate all cases of violence against women and prosecute and punish the perpetrators, restore and strengthen the judicial system, improve judicial and prison infrastructure and ensure the security of all courts and places of detention; proceed with the rapid redeployment of all judges to their duty stations; (d) Make every effort to ensure that the Special Criminal Court is established without delay so that investigations may begin; ensure the selection and appointment of judges and judicial personnel of the highest calibre who are familiar with the legal culture of the country, and ensure that the judicial process conforms to international fair trial standards; 20/22 GE.15-12489