The process of development of national action plans and their content depend on the specific circumstances prevailing in individual countries. However, there are some general principles that apply to all national action plans, namely: • • • • • • • • • • The importance of the process; Commitment to universal human rights standards; Implementation of international obligations; Interdependence and indivisibility of human rights; Action orientation; Public participation; Monitoring and evaluation; A continuing process; A national undertaking; The international dimension. Figure 3 – General principles • • • • • • • • • • Process and outcome are equally important There should be a broad and intensive consultation process with civil society and the general public The plan should be a national undertaking, involving all elements of society The plan should be a public document The plan should incorporate a commitment to universal human rights standards and set out how these standards will be effectively implemented The plan should be comprehensive in scope, reflecting the interdependence and indivisibility of human rights The plan should be action-oriented Effective monitoring and review of implementation is essential The national action plan process should be continuous, with the conclusion of one plan leading to the commencement of another National action plans have international dimensions The following sections outline these principles, which are discussed in greater detail later in the Handbook. 3.1 A process as well as an outcome A national action plan is both an outcome and a process, each equally important. The outcome is the plan itself and the activity that flows from it. The plan should be developed as a substantial and comprehensive document and it should trigger activity in a wide range of areas of public administration. At the same time, the manner in which a national action plan is developed will influence its chances of success. Key elements are the extent to which the plan enjoys high-level support and the breadth and depth of the consultation process. Section 7.1 elaborates on this point. Contemporary society all over the world increasingly demands a participatory and transparent approach to public policy-making. A national action plan must provide a central role for civil society. It should embrace the broadest range of participants from 13