25 1 NHRI MODELS AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK Many NHRIs are not permitted to investigate allegations of human rights abuses that occur in the private sector. Despite this, these NHRIs may still advise the government to enhance laws, policies and practices relating to the protection of women’s rights and gender equality in the private sector. Occasionally, NHRIs have sought to encourage public authorities to take action to address discrimination complaints involving the private sector. Specialized institutions In many OSCE participating States, independent bodies have been established with specialized human rights mandates to protect and promote the rights of particular groups, such as women, children or persons with disabilities. The ODIHR survey found that NHRIs are less engaged with women’s rights and gender equality if other institutions have been given these responsibilities. The Paris Principles provide that NHRIs should consult with other institutions that have responsibility for human rights.17 Where various institutions accept complaints, procedures should be established to determine whether claimants may file complaints with one or the other institution. The institutions should jointly develop a  clear referral system, which respects confidentiality and the informed choice of complainants. This is particularly important in cases that involve gender-based discrimination or violations of women’s rights in combination with other alleged abuses. If the relationship between the NHRI and other specialized human rights institutions is not clearly defined in relevant legislation, this could be done, for example, 17 UN Principles relating to the status and functioning of national institutions for protection and promotion of human rights (the “Paris Principles”), op. cit. example The Spanish Ombudsman’s Office monitors the Organic Act on Integrated Protection Measures against Gender Violence (2004), with respect to all incidents and failures stemming from its enforcement by the various public authorities, State security forces, judges, prosecutors and lawyers. The Office publishes the information collected and encourages relevant authorities to prevent future incidents and failures. survey results 46% of the NHRIs surveyed said that there is another specialized body dealing with antidiscrimination, equality rights, children’s rights and/or women’s rights in their state. Most of these NHRIs refer gender matters to the specialized institution(s).