C ontents Page About this publication..................................................................................  vi Chapter I. THE UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS SYSTEM AND NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS.......................................................... Learning objectives........................................................................................... Introduction...................................................................................................... 1 2 2 A. Human rights systems........................................................................... 4 B. The United Nations and national human rights institutions.............. Conclusion.................................................................................................................................  7 10 II. INTRODUCING NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS............ Introduction...................................................................................................... Learning objectives..................................................................................................................  11 12 12 A. What is a national human rights institution?....................................... 13 B. Models of national human rights institutions...................................... 15 C. Advantages of national human rights institutions.............................. 20 D. The role of national human rights institutions.................................... Conclusion........................................................................................................ 21 28 III. THE INTERNATIONAL COORDINATING COMMITTEE AND THE PARIS PRINCIPLES................................................................................. Introduction...................................................................................................... Learning objectives........................................................................................... 29 30 30 A. The Paris Principles................................................................................. 31 B. The International Coordinating Committee and its accreditation system...................................................................................................... Conclusion........................................................................................................ 44 53 IV. HUMAN RIGHTS PROMOTION............................................................. Introduction...................................................................................................... Learning objectives........................................................................................... 55 56 56 A. What is human rights promotion and why is it important?............... 57 B. General principles................................................................................... 59 C. Public education...................................................................................... 61 D. Public awareness.................................................................................... 68 iii