56 HANDBOOK FOR NHRIs ON WOMEN’S RIGHTS AND GENDER EQUALITY systems, civil society organizations may inform individuals where to file complaints or obtain information about legal provisions and protection. In some cases, with the victim’s consent, the civil society organizations can forward individual complaints to relevant authorities for action. NHRIs should be aware of the services provided by civil society organizations and should engage in collaborative activities, to be able to refer victims to the most appropriate services and to ensure that complainants receive the support they require. NHRIs and civil society organizations can also benefit by respective areas of expertise, for example, by mutual or joint training. There are some caveats in working with civil society, especially when it comes to investigations. NHRIs cannot delegate their responsibilities under their statutes, and co-operation with NGOs in the context of human rights investigations requires special attention. In particular, NHRIs must be clear about the respective roles and responsibilities of civil society organizations. In the context of women’s rights and gender equality, many community-service organizations have highly developed investigatory and support services, and while close co-operation will be important for effective partnering, the NHRI also needs to ensure that it retains its independence. NHRIs can also play an important role in the protection of human rights defenders.33 Women human rights defenders may face the same risks as those faced by all human rights defenders, regardless of gender, for example, when they challenge the state or make demands for free speech or assembly. However, women human rights defenders may face additional and gender-specific challenges because, as women, they are exposed to or targeted for violence and gender-specific attacks, which could include threats to their families and allegations relating to their behaviour and “conduct”.34 The nature of their work – sometimes challenging what are viewed as traditional norms or values in areas such as women’s rights, reproductive rights and gender-based violence – may also put them at particular risk.35 33 This, as well as their role as human rights defenders themselves, is recognized in Human Rights Council Resolution 13/13, Art. 9. See also the United Nations Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms(“Declaration on Human Rights Defenders”), A/RES/53/144, 8 March 1999. 34 Women Human Rights Defenders International Coalition, Global Report on the Situation of Women Human Rights Defenders (2012). 35 For a full discussion on the issues facing women human rights defenders see: Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Margaret Sekaggya, A/HRC/16/44, 20 December 2010.