A/HRC/16/22 those who were perceived as collaborating with or belonging to rival groups or to security forces, or who happened to be in an area of dispute. 35. Of particular concern is the widespread use of children and adolescents by these groups in all type of activities, including sicariato killings, and the sexual violence committed against women and girls. 36. OHCHR-Colombia has identified cases in Antioquia, Córdoba and Meta in which, as a result of corruption or threats, these groups have benefited from the acquiescence, tolerance and even collusion of members of security forces, including the National Police. At the same time, the Police have carried out some successful operations against leaders of these groups. 37. The High Commissioner recommends the adoption of policies and measures that not only increase the number of security forces officials, but also combat corruption within their ranks, strengthen the judiciary, improve protection for the population, and adopt social, educational and employment generation policies for those at risk of recruitment. E. Transitional justice 38. While some progress was made during 2010, the realization of victims’ rights continues to be insufficient. The Historical Memory Group of the National Commission for Reparation and Reconciliation presented four new reports that contributed to upholding the right to truth. Despite such important academic work, progress under Act 975 of 2005 continues to be slim: less than 54 per cent of the defendants, approximately 4.5 per cent of the demobilized persons,13 contributed to the right to truth through voluntary depositions. While their confessions revealed a significant number of homicides, they did not give a complete picture of the diversity, context and systematic nature of violations committed by paramilitary organizations. 39. In June, a first ruling under Act 975 yielded the maximum alternative sentence (eight years) for two paramilitaries with partial indictments for several crimes. Also for the first time, this ruling provided for reparations to the victims. The sentence was appealed by the victims. In December, a second ruling sentenced to eight years another paramilitary, with partial indictment. Also on that occasion, the victims appealed the decision. During the proceedings, there was evidence of serious flaws with regard to the role of the victims, lack of clarity in the establishment of reparations and creation of false expectations among the victims due, in large part, to the lack of coordination of relevant State entities. 40. The High Commissioner, thus, reiterates her recommendation to consider a profound reform of Act 975. Such reform should include, inter alia, a time limit for the voluntary depositions, efficient mechanisms of exclusion from the benefits of the Act, and extending the requirement for voluntary depositions to demobilized persons not admitted in the proceedings. It could also include consolidating several of its proceedings; the possibility of collective indictments; the need to investigate and punish only serious crimes and to clarify that compliance with reduced sentences would start from the date of sentencing. It is also advisable to identify appropriate criteria for reparations, to establish the obligation to provide reparations from the beginning of voluntary depositions, to reinforce State mechanisms for accessing assets of perpetrators, to integrate differential approaches and to ensure adequate coordination with other transitional mechanisms. 13 8 The Attorney General’s Office reported that, as of November, of approximately 53,000 demobilized persons, 4,484 were being processed under Act 975. A total of 2,431 voluntary depositions had been initiated, which include several sessions per accused.