A/HRC/12/18 page 13 human rights abuses committed by illegal armed groups may also seek reparations under an administrative reparations programme established by the Government in April 2008. The Government has received approximately 180,000 applications, but has yet to begin rewarding reparations. OHCHR Colombia provided expert advice during the formulation of the programme and currently monitors its implementation. The draft victims law may have the potential to fill some of the gaps of existing reparations programmes. OHCHR Colombia has provided technical advice on the draft. 36. In Guatemala, the National Reparations Programme proceeded to dispense financial compensation to victims, and the Government also carried out symbolic reparations to help restore the dignity of victims. OHCHR Guatemala has been providing technical assistance to the Programme on existing international standards on reparations and comparative experiences in implementing compensation programmes. 4. Institutional reform 37. Public institutions that helped perpetuate conflict must be transformed into institutions that sustain peace, protect human rights, and foster a culture of respect for the rule of law. By building fair and efficient public institutions, institutional reform enables post-conflict Governments to prevent the recurrence of human rights violations. Vetting is critical to facilitating this transformation by removing from service those public officials and employees, particularly in the security and justice sectors, personally responsible for gross violations of human rights. The removal of these persons should comply with due process of law and the principle of non-discrimination. Institutional reform should further incorporate comprehensive training programmes for public officials and employees on applicable human rights and international humanitarian law standards (see E/CN.4/2005/102/Add.1, principle 36). OHCHR has assisted the implementation of institutional reform programmes through training, monitoring and resource provision. Below are some examples of recent initiatives that have been taken in this regard. (a) Africa 38. The Government of Liberia has instituted a census and identification programme to vet serving Liberian National Police and new recruits. HRPS UNMIL has assisted this process by providing background information on individual recruits who do not meet jointly agreed criteria for hiring. HRPS UNMIL has also helped train army recruits on basic human rights and international humanitarian law. (b) Asia and the Pacific 39. Several mechanisms in Afghanistan perform vetting of persons entering public office, including the Independent Afghanistan Reform and Civil Service Commission, the Police Probation Board, the Electoral Complaints Commission and the Advisory Panel on Senior Appointments. UNAMA has provided technical, financial and political assistance to these processes. 40. OHCHR Nepal provided commentary to the Government of Nepal on amendments to the Army Act to increase civilian oversight of the military by transferring jurisdiction over certain