A/HRC/12/18 page 21 71. Further research on the relationship between disarmament, demobilization and reintegration and transitional justice is needed to develop a deeper understanding of how the two processes can promote and sustain one another. OHCHR in collaboration with Department of Peacekeeping Operations has been studying the linkages between the two processes while encouraging the United Nations system to recognize and incorporate conclusions in their work in the field. E. Additional needs 72. Analysis of the work of OHCHR field presences and the discussions at the Expert Seminar have highlighted several additional issues that would benefit from further exploration. 73. Vetting processes, while a component of transitional justice, are often undertaken without due consideration for a human rights approach, which is necessary for successful institutional reform. Further consideration of the human rights aspects of vetting is thus needed with a view to systematically incorporating a human rights approach into future vetting processes. 74. Witness and victim protection is the foundation for effective investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of gross violations of human rights. Further exploration of the best means to adequately protect witnesses and victims in post-conflict environments is necessary to ensuring the success of prosecutions and truth-seeking mechanisms. 75. Various post-conflict societies may advocate for the use of traditional judicial mechanisms to address past violations and achieve reconciliation. The relationship between traditional justice mechanisms and various transitional justice processes needs to be further explored. III. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 76. The overview of activities by United Nations human rights field presences and analysis of lessons learned and best practices reaffirm the increasing role OHCHR plays in providing a broad range of assistance in the field of transitional justice. OHCHR has also offered conceptual and policy support at headquarters, taking into account international legal developments and the needs of field presences. Other parts of the United Nations human rights system, including special rapporteurs and treaty bodies, are encouraged to continue to give due attention to transitional justice in the discharge of their mandates. -----