A/HRC/17/39 63. All victims of human rights violations have a right to remedy, non-repetition and accountability of perpetrators,69 as well as the right to recognition of their status as victims, without discrimination.70 On the rights of victims particularly vulnerable and their right to remedies, the Human Rights Committee, in its general comment No. 31 on the nature of the general legal obligation imposed on States parties to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, advocated for such remedies being appropriately adapted so as to take account of the special vulnerability of certain categories of person, including, in particular, children.71 64. With regard to the past of an armed conflict or national emergency situation, mechanisms such as truth commissions have proven to be useful means to achieve peace in post-conflict societies and to ensure that the rights of victims are protected. Another second important issue is the right to compensation, which includes not only financial reparation, but also acknowledgment of past violations or accountability for perpetrators. The right to participate in such processes is important and all groups need to be included. Proposed standards 1. States shall ensure that the specific effects of the different forms of violence on the enjoyment of the rights of persons belonging to groups in situations of vulnerability are taken fully into account. They have the obligation to ensure that remedial measures are taken, including the recognition of the right of persons belonging to groups in situations of vulnerability to participate in the adoption of such measures.72 2. Every victim of a human rights violation has the right, in accordance with international human rights law, to the restoration of the violated rights; to obtain effective and complete redress, including the right to rehabilitation and compensation; to measures of symbolic redress or reparation; and to guarantees that the violation will not be repeated.73 3. States, international organizations, in particular the United Nations, and civil society shall facilitate the specific contribution of women to the prevention, management and peaceful settlement of disputes, and promote their contribution to building, consolidating and maintaining peace after conflicts. To this end, the increased representation of women shall be promoted at all levels of decision-making in national, regional and international institutions and mechanisms in these areas. 4. All individuals and peoples subjected to aggression, genocide, racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and other related forms of intolerance or apartheid, colonialism and neo-colonialism deserve special attention as victims of violations of the human right to peace.74 69 70 71 72 73 74 18 See in particular the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, art. 8; the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, art. 2; the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, art. 6; the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, art. 14; the Convention on the Rights of the Child, art. 39; the Hague Convention respecting the Laws and Customs of War on Land of 18 October 1907 (Convention IV), art. 3; Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts (Protocol I) of 8 June 1977, art. 91; and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, arts. 68 and 75. General Assembly resolution 60/147, para. 21. CCPR/C/21/Rev.1/Add. 13, para. 15. See Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, preamble. Ibid., art. 11, para 4. Santiago Declaration, art. 1, para. 3.