120 C. HANDBOOK FOR NHRIs ON WOMEN’S RIGHTS AND GENDER EQUALITY Methods of operation Within the framework of its operation, the national institution shall: 1. Freely consider any questions falling within its competence, whether they are submitted by the government or taken up by it without referral to a higher authority, on the proposal of its members or of any petitioner, 2. Hear any person and obtain any information and any documents necessary for assessing situations falling within its competence; 3. Address public opinion directly or through any press organ, particularly in order to publicize its opinions and recommendations; 4. Meet on a regular basis and whenever necessary in the presence of all its members after they have been duly consulted; 5. Establish working groups from among its members as necessary, and set up local or regional sections to assist it in discharging its functions; 6. Maintain consultation with the other bodies, whether jurisdictional or otherwise, responsible for the protection and promotion of human rights (in particular, ombudsmen, mediators and similar institutions); 7. In view of the fundamental role played by the non-governmental organizations in expanding the work of the national institutions, develop relations with the non-governmental organizations devoted to protecting and promoting human rights, to economic and social development, to combating racism, to protecting particularly vulnerable groups (especially children, migrant workers, refugees, physically and mentally disabled persons) or to specialized areas. D. Additional principles concerning the status of commissions with quasi-jurisdictional competence A national institution may be authorized to hear and consider complaints and petitions concerning individual situations. Cases may be brought before it by individuals, their representatives, third parties, non-governmental organizations, associations of trade unions or any other representative organizations.