ANNEXES EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In 2011, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) conducted a survey to document how national human rights institutions (NHRIs) in the OSCE region address women’s rights and gender equality. This Handbook presents the results of the survey, based on responses received from 38 NHRIs in OSCE participating States. It also provides analysis and recommendations for action. NHRIs are envisaged as independent bodies, established by law to protect and promote human rights. The United Nations Principles relating to the Status of National Institutions (The Paris Principles) outline minimum standards for NHRIs, including a broad human rights mandate, autonomy from government, independence, pluralism, adequate resources and adequate powers of investigation. The role of NHRIs in protecting and promoting women’s rights and gender equality has been recognized in the 2004 OSCE Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality and in international human rights standards. NHRIs mandates and structures are usually stipulated in national founding legislation. The ODIHR survey did not reveal any particular organizational structure as being more effective than others in protecting women’s rights and promoting gender equality. NHRIs reported that a broad mandate with specific reference to women’s rights and gender equality, ability to address the private sector and an institutionalised relationship with specialized national bodies were factors that positively impacted on their ability to address women’s rights and gender equality. In addition, adequate resource allocation was essential, in particular when NHRIs were faced with additional responsibilities.