G. C ommunity - based initiatives Community-based activities are promotional activities that directly involve local communities or subsectors. They help the community to develop a better general awareness of human rights principles, rather than specific knowledge. Some examples of community-based initiatives are: ■■ Song, dance, theatre or drawing competitions with a human rights theme. These are a particularly attractive way to promote awareness among younger individuals for whom more formal education or training initiatives might not be appropriate; ■■ Cooperative sporting events with a human rights theme; ■■ Exhibitions and special events to mark anniversaries and special days, such as International Women’s Day (8 March), World AIDS Day (1 December) or Human Rights Day (10 December); and ■■ Human rights awards for individuals or groups within the community who have made a significant contribution to the realiza­tion of human rights and fundamental freedoms. National human rights institutions may take part in community celebrations that are unrelated to human rights, such as during fairs, exhibitions, community anniversaries, etc., to raise their profile and that of human rights generally. Conclusion Human rights promotion and education is a key NHRI responsibility and one that can be discharged in a variety of ways. The particular activities that a given institution will undertake will depend on a variety of factors. Nonetheless, virtually all institutions will: develop and distribute information on human rights, including an annual report; engage in public awareness sessions; provide specialized training to key constituents; use the media to promote understanding and awareness of human rights and of their own work; and make an effort to ensure that human rights are taught in schools. An institution must develop the knowledge, skills and abilities, tools and technical approaches to create a strong culture of human rights and ensure that international human rights norms are accepted and implemented on the ground. 73