E/CN.4/1995/111 page 38 127. While the Special Rapporteurs acknowledge that effective protection of all those at risk of human rights violations is extremely resource-intensive, they are obliged to recommend that substantially increased measures of protection be afforded to certain vulnerable sectors, such as threatened human rights groups, displaced persons, street children, trade unionists and indigenous groups. Those at risk should be consulted with a view to determining the most appropriate measures for each case. Such measures could include the extension of existing witness protection programmes or the financing of security personnel selected by the person under threat. The Special Rapporteurs believe that foreign resources already available should be used in this area. In the case of persons who have received threats, especially death threats, in addition to the measures of protection a proper investigation should be carried out in order to determine the origin of the threats and to initiate proceedings against their authors, in compliance with the pertinent international instruments. 128. The Special Rapporteurs acknowledge that if peace could be achieved, this would create the most favourable circumstances for improving the human rights situation in Colombia. They therefore urge all the parties to the armed conflict seriously to seek and negotiate a peaceful solution to the conflict and, to the extent that the parties would find this helpful, suggest that the United Nations would be willing to assist in this process. No such peace agreement should create obstacles to providing justice for the victims of human rights violations within the mandates of the Special Rapporteurs. Adequate provision should be made for the protection of all those who have laid down their arms and are willing to reinsert themselves into civilian life and, particularly, for former combatants who organize themselves in political movements to participate in the democratic process without fear of suffering reprisals. 129. The recent decision by Congress to ratify Protocol II additional to the four Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 has assumed a symbolic significance in efforts to humanize the armed conflict between governmental forces and insurgent groups. The Special Rapporteurs welcome this step and appeal to all parties to the conflict to comply with the provisions of that Protocol, including those prohibiting acts within the mandates of the Special Rapporteurs. 130. The Special Rapporteurs also appeal to the authorities to adopt measures to protect those at risk of "social cleansing" killings, in particular street children. Such measures could include assistance and education programmes, as well as support for initiatives taken by the marginalized sectors themselves. 131. The level of violence, both politically motivated and due to common crime, has risen steadily in the recent past and has reached alarming proportions, despite legislative reforms and other initiatives taken by the successive administrations. The vast majority of recommendations made by the representatives of various United Nations human rights mechanisms that visited Colombia in 1987, 1988 and 1989 have not been implemented. Military jurisdiction over human rights violations committed by members of the armed forces continues. The current Government recognizes the gravity of the human rights situation, has identified its causes, in particular impunity, and has repeatedly expressed its willingness to take radical measures to redress the