49 4 ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE TO GOVERNMENT 4.2 LEGISLATION AND POLICY States have a  responsibility to ensure that their national legal framework and policies comply with OSCE commitments and human rights obligations in general and, more specifically, in the area of protecting women’s rights and gender equality. NHRIs can assist states by reviewing national legislation and identifying gaps, highlighting problem areas in the existing legal framework and contributing to the development of new laws and policies. NHRIs can also monitor the impact of laws and policies on women’s rights and gender equality. NHRIs in the OSCE region provide advice and assistance in the following legislative and policy areas, among others: domestic violence laws, electoral-code reform, employment equity, parental rights, social benefits and health and education policies. 4.3 NATIONAL ACTION PLANS The development of a  national action plan on human rights shows a commitment by the government to promote and protect human rights. 24 In the OSCE region, these plans exist in the form of general national human rights action plans, as well as specific action plans, such as gender action plans, plans to prevent and combat domestic violence, and action plans against trafficking in human beings. While the governments should take the lead in developing national action plans, NHRIs can recommend that such plans are developed, and offer advice and 24 The Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, 1993, Art. 71, recommends that states consider preparing national action plans. The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, 1995, Art. 124(j), calls on all governments to establish and implement plans of action to eliminate violence against women. SURVEY RESULTS 64% of NHRIs reported that they comment on draft legislation in the area of women’s rights and gender equality. 52% of NHRIs monitor the implementation of policies and legislation that affect women’s rights and gender equality. 45% of NHRIs initiate contacts with government departments, senior officials and cabinet members on proposed legislative initiatives. SURVEY RESULTS 42% of NHRIs reported that they participate in developing national plans with respect to women’s rights and gender equality. One NHRI noted that its independence prevented it from contributing directly to the national action plan. 12% of NHRIs reported that they initiate the development of national action plans on human rights.