A/HRC/25/19 37. In June, OHCHR launched a study on the theme, “Healing the spirit: reparations for survivors of sexual violence related to the armed conflict in Kosovo”, and supported the implementation of the recommendations made in it. In South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Joint Human Rights Office implemented a project on access to justice and reparations through which 450 beneficiaries were reintegrated and given access to medical and psychosocial assistance. 38. OHCHR supported domestic and regional capacity-building efforts to enhance protection of human rights in the context of counter-terrorism. In my address to the Counter-Terrorism Committee of the Security Council in October, I raised concerns about broadly formulated national counter-terrorism legislation and the abusive use of counterterrorism legislation by authorities to curb legitimate activity. 39. I also reiterated concerns over allegations received by my Office of serious violations of human rights in the context of counter-terrorism, with attention to the failure to close the Guantanamo Bay detention centre as one example. The failure of many States to undertake public and independent investigations of past involvement in renditions also remains an issue of concern. 40. OHCHR continued to address other complex legal and policy challenges, including issues relating to mass surveillance and the right to privacy in the digital age. While modern communications technology provides a powerful tool for democracy, it has also contributed to a blurring of lines between the public and the private spheres, and has generated unprecedented levels of interference with the right to privacy. 41. I highlighted my deep concern over the lack of transparency surrounding drone strikes and their impact on, in particular, accountability and the ability of victims to seek redress. Member States should be transparent with regard to criteria for deploying drone strikes and ensure that the use of drones complies fully with international law. Where there are plausible indications of a breach of international law, States should conduct independent, impartial, prompt and effective investigations, and provide victims with an effective remedy. 42. As Chair of the Working Group on Protecting Human Rights while Countering Terrorism of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force, OHCHR, together with the Task Force Office, launched a major training and capacity-building project for law enforcement officials on human rights, the rule of law and prevention of terrorism, which in 2013 covered the Middle East, the North and West Africa regions, and the Sahel. 43. OHCHR contributed to strengthening national capacities to protect victims and witnesses of international crimes and serious violations of human rights. In December 2012, OHCHR organized in Uganda a consultative workshop on technical and practical aspects of establishment of a national witness protection programme that contributed to the finalization of a bill on this issue. In 2013, the Joint Human Rights Office of the Democratic Republic of the Congo continued to provide judicial authorities with advice on appropriate measures to protect victims and witnesses, including in high-profile court cases. 44. OHCHR supported the strengthening of democratic society in, for example, Cameroon, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar and Togo, where it monitored the human rights situation in the context of elections. In Mexico, OHCHR actively supported the mechanism for the protection of human rights defenders and journalists, following up on individual cases, providing expert assistance and supporting a permanent dialogue between nongovernmental organizations and relevant authorities. In December, as part of its efforts to support the strengthening of democratic society, and as requested by the Human Rights Council in its resolution 22/10, OHCHR organized an expert seminar on effective measures and best practices to ensure the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of peaceful protests. 9