A/HRC/34/43 44. The perpetrators of these lynchings explain their actions by their lack of trust in the justice system. Some of the suspected criminals killed by the population were allegedly repeat offenders who had received long prison sentences, but who had been released before completing them. Others had been arrested and handed over to the security services or the justice system, but had been released without trial. 45. These lynchings are ordered and carried out by ordinary citizens who attack police, gendarmerie, prison and justice system premises to remove suspects and accused persons before killing them, with complete impunity. G. Gender-based violence 46. In his previous report, the High Commissioner recommended that Guinea strengthen its strategies to combat female genital mutilation, including excision, and to combat all forms of discrimination against women and girls. In August, the Prime Minister launched a national campaign against excision, which affects 97 per cent of Guinean women and girls according to the latest national demographic and health survey, carried out in 2012. 47. Despite the efforts of the Government and its national and international partners, gender-based violence remains a major cause for concern in Guinea. At the national level, in 2016 the Office for the Protection of Gender, Children and Morals recorded 643 cases of gender-based violence, including 117 cases of rape. Of those 117 cases, 97 were committed against minors, 71 of whom were girls. More than 10 cases of rape, in all of the country’s natural regions, were submitted to the country office in 2016. The majority concerned girls aged from 2 to17 years and were committed by a family member, neighbour or teacher. The suspected perpetrators in these cases were arrested, brought before the courts and are awaiting trial. Staff of the country office met with the Office for the Protection of Gender, Children and Morals to explore why young girls aged up to 13 years are the most commonly targeted group. The Office is currently conducting a study into the causes of such violence. 48. However, in many of the cases of rape reported to the country office, proceedings are abandoned because of the following reasons: shortcomings in the security services; the mediation and influence of parents, public figures, religious leaders, politicians or military chiefs; and arrangements between victims, perpetrators, security services or judges, in violation of the provisions of article 1 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. 49. In July 2016, the Government made a statement during a campaign launch workshop and in the press asking all authorities to ensure that no cases of excision occurred during the school holidays. However, the country office noted that excision camps were held in most villages in Guinée forestière. Despite a number of complaints and trials, the sentences handed down remain lenient and are limited to suspended prison sentences and fines. IV. Cooperation to promote and protect human rights A. Transitional justice and national reconciliation process 50. In 2016, the country office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Guinea made a significant contribution to the transitional justice process, which is intended to allow Guinea to shed light on its past, allocate responsibility, redress wrongs GE.17-00658 9