7.3.2.1 Fostering National Dialogue
There are several approaches can be used to develop a national consensus: this might include a high level national conference on the establishment of a NHRI, as well as parallel workshops, public meetings and a media strategy. Dialogues between similar organizations – grouping NGOs with NGOs, for example, or bringing together academics - would also be an effective strategy and allow for the cross-fertilisation of ideas.
The process of internal discussion on next steps within the UN system should begin right away.
UNCT strategies to encourage and promote dialogue and national consensus:
- Support a workshop, seminar or meeting with OHCHR, UNDP and key stakeholders
- ‘Seed’ the area, that is, increase receptivity to the concept of NHRIs. This can be done by:
- inviting NHRIs from the region, regional coordinating bodies and/or practitioners to foster exchanges
- Organizing meetings with key stakeholders to examine the Paris Principles and best practices
- Sponsoring seminars or workshops on NHRIs looking at regional successes, and engaging NHRIs from countries in the region to provide advice and guidance, in collaboration with regional NHRI networks, if such exist
- Ensure that the dialogue is informed by the Paris Principles
- Encourage the engagement of stakeholders (see the checklist, above, in Section 7.2)
- Engaging regional NHRI Networks since they will be best able to speak to the practical realities of NHRIs and respond to any concerns
- Sharing basic information about the nature and functions of NHRIs, and perhaps concrete examples of how NHRIs may assist in protecting and promoting human rights, to provide to local stakeholders
- Sponsoring other interactions between key potential national stakeholders and practitioners and/or experts, as well as contact between national NGOs and International and Regional NGOs dealing with NHRIs (again, potentially, through Regional Networks), as a way to diminish misconceptions or fears the NGOs might have about the creation of an Institution.
Guiding the discussion: Depending on the stakeholders and their knowledge of NHRIs, UNCTs, working with UN focal points, can develop and provide background materials to guide discussion:
- A research paper or series of research papers on NHRIs;
- A “white paper” or similar policy document;
- Basic information about the nature and functions of NHRIs, with concrete examples of how they may assist in protecting and promoting human rights; and
- A comparative analysis of other NHRIs in the region.
UNCT staff should take a full role in attending these events and discussions, and should support the development of materials in order to develop their own knowledge and understanding of NHRIs and the process of establishing NHRIs. This will help to build and reinforce their own knowledge base.
Where possible, UNCTs should ensure that NHRI practitioners/experts assist in the process at the very outset. As mentioned above, staff from other NHRIs in the region can provide this type of support. NIRM Section (OHCHR) and UNDP staff may also provide important expertise. Independent experts may also be retained in technical assistance projects. Regardless of the type of expertise, this is critical, since it is always more difficult to attempt to change ways of thinking after the fact than it is to mould and shape a vision at the front end. Requests for specific technical expertise should be jointly directed to the UN Resident Coordinator and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, as indicated above in Section 7.3.
The framework for the discussion should be the Paris Principles and the ICC’s SCA General Observations. The goal should be a process that examines whether and how a NHRI in conformity to the Paris Principles could improve the human rights situation in the country.