8. The development phase of the plan After initial structures have been established in the preparatory phase, the next step is substantive development of the plan itself, its content and the mechanisms for implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Figure 8 – The development phase • • • • • • • • • • • • • 8.1 Frequent meetings of coordinating committee Conceptualization of national action plan Establishment of secretariat Consultation with NGOs and other interested groups Public meetings and public hearings Preparation of baseline study Identification of priorities Attention to vulnerable groups Issues for special focus Linkage with other national planning activities Drafting the plan Time frames Legal status Conceptualizing the national action plan One of the first and most important tasks of the coordinating committee is to develop a model of the national action plan concept that both draws on international work on such plans and is adapted to the situation of the country concerned. Many of those involved in the coordinating committee may be unfamiliar with the concept of a national human rights action plan. Some of them may also have no experience in working within the broader human rights system. Nevertheless, the value of having a broad-based committee that comprises representatives of the wider community, government organizations responsible for implementing the plan and human rights experts is that it facilitates the development of a practical synthesis of ideas to serve as the basis for an effective plan. The focal agency should prepare the way for the committee’s conceptual discussions by: • Providing appropriate background material on national action plans, including this Handbook, and information on international human rights standards, domestic norms and the national human rights situation; • Preparing an options paper that elaborates several scenarios for implementing a plan that might be suited to the local situation; • Inviting international experts who have had experience of such conceptual work and/or the development of national plans in other countries to conduct workshops 60