24 survey results 61% of NHRIs reported that they are restricted to the investigation of complaints from the public sector and cannot consider allegations related to the private sector (unless a privatesector organization has been given public-sector responsibilities by the government). 39% of NHRIs reported that their mandate allows them to consider allegations related to the private sector. Most of these private-sector responsibilities are limited to antidiscrimination complaints. ! Even those NHRIs with no authority over the private sector reported that they: • promote anti-discrimination laws that apply also to the private sector; or • advise the government to enhance its legal and policy framework relating to women’s rights and gender equality in the private sector. HANDBOOK FOR NHRIs ON WOMEN’S RIGHTS AND GENDER EQUALITY the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,16 provide for the designation of national monitoring mechanisms, and many states have designated their NHRIs to undertake these new responsibilities. These new responsibilities reflect the increased recognition of the important role NHRIs play in implementing and monitoring international human rights at the domestic level, especially for individuals belonging to vulnerable groups, such as refugees, migrant workers and persons with disabilities. However, the broad range of NHRI responsibilities can make it challenging for NHRIs to fully meet requirements in all areas they are mandated to cover, all of which are important. Whenever an NHRI is tasked with additional responsibilities, this should be accompanied by adequate financial and human resources. Gender equality and women’s rights should be integrated into the NHRIs’ work on these new areas. Moreover, careful consideration must be given to the various areas covered by NHRIs, including gender equality and women’s rights. Application to the private sector The private sector is important for women’s rights and for gender equality, because women experience inequality at work, in services and in housing, all of which are provided in large part by the private sector. Lack of pay equity and employment equity, as well as discrimination against women who are pregnant, are also issues that occur in the private sector. 16 The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities requires states to establish one or more independent mechanisms, to promote, protect and monitor implementation of the Convention. The Convention specifies that the established framework should take into account the Paris Principles on NHRIs. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 2006, Art. 33.