A/HRC/20/14 the Covenant.75 States should therefore ensure that they have the means available to protect informants and witnesses through the adoption of suitably tailored protective measures. Such measures are not only a part of the State's positive obligations towards the witness, they are also indispensable in encouraging witnesses to come forward in the first place. 43. Criminal proceedings, including any ordinary appeal procedures, should be conducted with reasonable expedition, as required by article 14 of the Covenant. Not only does this guarantee the right of the accused to a trial within a reasonable time, it also avoids prolonging the agony of uncertainty for the victim or his/her next-of-kin. 44. Where, following an investigation into an act of terrorism, a criminal prosecution is not initiated the competent prosecuting authority must give reasons for its decision.76 States should allow victims to challenge any such decision before an independent court or tribunal or other comparable authority.77 45. The right of victims of terrorism to privacy and respect for their family life should be protected against unjustified intrusion. In some circumstances, victims and their families may need to be protected against over-exposure to the media.78 Medical and other personal information may also need to be protected from unnecessary disclosure to the public in the course of criminal proceedings.79 C. The right of victims of terrorism to form representative organizations 46. Non-governmental organizations have been established in a number of countries with the aim of promoting the interests of victims of terrorism.80 Such organizations perform a vital role in ensuring that the needs of the victims are properly understood and communicated. They are to be applauded for their efforts in advocating the cause of the victim by helping to personalize and convey the human tragedies that terrorism inflicts. 47. Organizations representing victims of terrorism enjoy the rights to freedom of association and expression under articles 19 and 22 of the Covenant, including the right to articulate criticism of public authorities. Any State interference with the unfettered exercise of those rights (including requirements for official registration) must be prescribed by law, pursue a legitimate public interest, and be strictly proportionate in scope.81 Such organizations should have unimpeded access to an independent and impartial court or tribunal with power to overturn the restriction. 48. States must also secure the rights of organizations representing victims of terrorism against unlawful interference by non-State actors.82 Where necessary, such organizations must be afforded effective measures of protection against the risk of reprisals from the perpetrators of acts of terrorism, or their supporters, as well as against any attempt, from any quarter, to intimidate or silence them. 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 14 ECHR, Van Mechelen v. The Netherlands, nos. 21363/93, 21364/93, 21427/93, 22056/93, paras. 5665. Divisional Court of England and Wales, R v. DPP ex parte Manning and Melbourne [2000] 3 WLR 463. See Rianne Letschert, Ines Staiger and Antony Pemberton (eds.) (footnote 11 above), Tilburg Declaration, recommendation V.3. For national practice and legislation, see UNODC (footnote 73 above), paras. 235-291. ECHR, Z v. Finland, no. 22009/93; Craxi (No. 2) v. Italy, no. 25337/94. See for example Global Survivors Network (http://www.globalsn.net); European Network of Associations of Victims of Terrorism (www.europeanvictims.net/). Human Rights Committee, general comment no. 34 (2011), para. 34. In the context of freedom of assembly, see ECHR, Plattform "Ärtze für das Leben" v. Austria, no. 10126/82, para. 32.