motional activities are limited only by their resources and their creativity. Generally, however, most NHRIs will undertake: – Public education through awareness campaigns; – Training, both generally and for key groups such as NGOs, police, prison officials, the armed forces, journalists and the judiciary; – Publications, e.g., annual and special reports; – Seminars and workshops; – Community-based initiatives (sports, theatre, film, public art,…); – The development of curricula for schools, from primary through to secondary and post-secondary studies, in partnership with the education authorities; – Media events, press releases and press conferences. National human rights institutions can also serve as a national repository or archive for human rights documentation and other documents that have major implications for human rights. This can be supported by internal archives or documentation centres that systematically collect and classify data on human rights, not only for internal purposes, but also for students, lawyers, NGOs and the public at large. 2. Protection The protection mandate centres on the rule of law, the administration of justice and fighting impunity.26 National human rights institutions are instrumental in promoting law reform and strengthening judicial and security institutions, including the police and prison systems. They are products of and accountable to the legislative branch of government, but operate autonomously. They are not part of the judicial branch of government although, in some countries, human rights tribunals or boards function as part of the court system. National human rights institutions can support compliance with international standards as well as the existence of internal accountability systems, and can also help to ensure that the administration of justice conforms to human rights standards and provides effective remedies, particularly to minorities and to the most vulnerable in society. Investigating human rights abuses is central to this role. While there are differences in how NHRIs approach their protection responsibilities, some typical roles and responsibilities are: ■■ Investigations; ■■ Alternative dispute resolution; ■■ Seeking redress or remedies through the courts or specialized tribunals, including by addressing courts as amicus curiae where warranted; ■■ Receiving individual complaints (for NHRIs with quasi-jurisdictional powers); ■■ Public inquiries; ■■ Monitoring. Core protection activities should focus primarily on the prevention of torture, arbitrary detention, disappearances and the protection of human rights defenders. Linked to this is the role of NHRIs as watchdogs, reviewing conditions in detention facilities, visiting facilities unannounced and requesting private interviews with detainees. See, generally, “Updated Set of principles for the protection and promotion of human rights through action to combat impunity” (E/CN.4/2005/102/Add.1) and Basic Principles and Guidelines on the Right to a Remedy and Reparation for Victims of Gross Violations of International Human Rights Law and Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law (General Assembly resolution 60/147, annex). 26 22