RATIFICATION OF INTERNATIONAL INSTRUMENTS NHRIs shall encourage ratification of all international instruments. Within the context of promoting reproductive rights, NHRIs should take steps to encourage the ratification of United Nations human rights treaties and regional treaties which are of key importance to promoting reproductive rights, see Annex I and II. It is important not only to focus on the ratification of treaties, the corresponding optional protocols and similar instruments but also on reservations that diminish the impact and range of the treaties and on specific declarations that, if made, increase protection. NHRIs should encourage the withdrawal of reservations and the making of declarations just as it should encourage ratification of human rights instruments. Among the specific steps to be taken are the following: 56 1. When making reports on specific areas of human rights, such as reproductive rights, the NHRI could include a section on international instruments that have not been ratified and that are relevant for this particular area of human rights. 2. Many NHRIs make annual or other periodic reports on the general human rights situation in the relevant country. It would appear logical to include a section on international instruments not yet ratified in such reports. 3. In its formal and informal contacts with government and parliament, a NHRI can lobby for the ratification of international instruments. 4. According to Section C.7 of the Paris Principles, NHRIs should work together with NGOs. If a NHRI decides to