E/CN.4/2000/9/Add.1 page 11 public servants to pay due attention to their reports and proposals. Additionally, it had drawn up policies for the protection of human rights workers, women, children and the Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities. 50. Through the Ministry of the Interior, the Government had started a Special Programme for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders including preventive and special protection measures, as required, under which the offices and staff of several leading NGOs were protected. The Government intended to step up the programme established to protect the heads of social and political organizations and non-governmental human rights activists with the help of State security bodies. Witnesses of human rights violations were protected jointly with the Offices of the Attorney-General and the Procurator-General. Detailed information was given on the rules governing the programme, the Regulations and Risk Evaluation Committee and how it functions. According to the Government, the Committee had evaluated and taken action in a total of 29 cases between August 1997 and February 1998. 51. At a meeting between the President and human rights NGO representatives, measures adopted had included conferring upon the Procurator-General’s Office the right to review and correct information on human rights activists in the intelligence archives of various State bodies. Additionally, decisions were taken on the composition of specialized security bodies, an increase in the programme’s budget and strict follow-up of Presidential Directive No. 011, which instructs public servants to refrain from making derogatory remarks about NGOs and announces penalties for failure to comply. 52. Regarding protection of specially vulnerable groups, the Government indicated its commitment to women and children as evidenced in its cooperation with the related international machinery and its domestic legislation. It had passed Act No. 360 of 1997, which lays down heavier penalties for sexual offenders, and publicized the reforms that had been taking place. The Attorney-General’s Office had drawn up plans for special purpose units and squads in cities with a high incidence of sexual crime; five were in operation. Since their establishment the number of complaints lodged had risen, especially in Santa Fé de Bogotá. In addition, the publication “Children’s Time” (El Tiempo de los Niños) had been updated and the possibility of deferring university students’ military service was now regulated under Act No. 418 of 1997. Those under 18 would do their military service in areas where there was no armed conflict. 53. Act No. 104 of 1993 had been extended and amended to include protection for individuals who have laid down their arms and wish to return to civilian life. The Reintegration Programme, which falls within the ambit of the peace agreements signed between the Government and various guerilla movements, is administered under the Security and Protection Schemes for leaders whose lives are at risk. The Government also provided information on protection services and how they are currently allocated. 54. A programme against “social cleansing” had been launched, through the Social Solidarity Network, in 17 cities, comprising preventive measures and information on human rights. Steps had been taken to dismantle organizations trafficking in human organs, women and children. The Inter-Institutional Committee Against the Trafficking of Women and Children and the Ministry of Justice focused on prosecuting perpetrators of such acts, coordinating international police action and raising awareness among the general public and the authorities.