DOC/OS(XXX)247 g) h) i) j) k) l) m) Page 21 (v) Avoiding unnecessary delay in the disposition of cases and the execution of orders or decrees granting awards to victims. Informal mechanisms for the resolution of disputes, including mediation, arbitration and traditional or customary practices, should be utilized where appropriate to facilitate conciliation and redress for victims. Offenders or third parties responsible for their behaviour should, where appropriate, make fair restitution to victims, their families or dependants. Such restitution should include the return of property or payment for the harm or loss suffered, reimbursement of expenses, the provision of services and the restoration of rights. States should review their practices, regulations and laws to consider restitution as an available sentencing option in criminal cases, in addition to other criminal sanctions. Where public officials or other agents acting in an official or quasi-official capacity have violated national criminal laws or international law, the victims should receive restitution from the State whose officials or agents were responsible for the harm inflicted. When compensation is not fully available from the offender or other sources, States should endeavour to provide financial compensation to: (i) Victims who have sustained significant bodily injury or impairment of physical or mental health as a result of serious crimes; (ii) The family, in particular dependants of persons who have died or become physically or mentally incapacitated. States are encouraged to establish, strengthen and expand national funds for compensation to victims. States must ensure that : (i) Victims receive the necessary material, medical, psychological and social assistance through state, voluntary, non-governmental and community-based means. (ii) Victims are informed of the availability of health and social services and other relevant assistance and be readily afforded access to them. (iii) Police, justice, health, social service and other personnel concerned receive training to sensitize them to the needs of victims, and guidelines are adopted to ensure proper and prompt aid. Q. TRADITIONAL COURTS a) Traditional courts, where they exist, are required to respect international standards on the right to a fair trial. b) The following provisions shall apply, as a minimum, to all proceedings before traditional courts: (i) equality of persons without any distinction whatsoever as regards race, colour, sex, gender, religion, creed, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, means, disability, birth, status or other circumstances; (ii) respect for the inherent dignity of human persons, including the right not to be subject to torture, or other cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment or treatment; (iii) respect for the right to liberty and security of every person, in particular the right of every individual not to be subject to arbitrary arrest or detention; (iv) respect for the equality of women and men in all proceedings; (v) respect for the inherent dignity of women, and their right not to be subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; (vi) adequate opportunity to prepare a case, present arguments and evidence and to challenge or respond to opposing arguments or evidence; (vii) an entitlement to the assistance of an interpreter if he or she cannot understand or speak the language used in or by the traditional court;