This publication sets out basic considerations on prosecution initiatives, and is intended to assist United Nations field staff when advising on approaches to addressing the challenges of prosecuting perpetrators of crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The focus of this guidance is mainly on the strategic and technical challenges that these prosecutions face domestically, and sets out the principal considerations that should be applied to all prosecutorial initiatives: the need for a clear political commitment to accountability; the need for a clear strategy; the need to ensure that initiatives are endowed with the necessary capacity and technical ability to investigate and prosecute the crimes in question; the need to pay particular attention to victims; and the need to have a clear understanding of the relevant law and an appreciation of trial management skills, as well as a strong commitment to due process.