VIII. Who should conduct the consultations? • It is best for the consultations to be conducted by independent experts who do not have any organizational or political stake in specific transitional justice outcomes. • National human rights institutions may play an important role in the conduct of national consultations as they can provide reassurance that the process will be conducted on the basis of human rights standards and with respect for the rights and dignity of the consultees. • Frequently, international NGOs, academic institutions and others conduct consultations. Wherever possible, these international groups should work with and through appropriate national and local groups, thereby respecting the local social infrastructures, drawing on relevant expertise and facilitating a transfer of skills. • The United Nations, in particular OHCHR and the human rights components of peacekeeping missions, frequently assists States in designing and conducting national consultations. It does so in support of national initiatives and capacities without seeking to influence consultation findings. Nor does it generally associate itself with particular views expressed in any consultative exercise. • It is crucial to coordinate consultation exercises so that they are conducted in an efficient and targeted manner, avoid duplication, best address gaps, and do not overly burden consulted groups and individuals. • Regardless of which institution or organization undertakes consultations, it is imperative that it should retain suitably qualified expert personnel. Its staff need to be fully trained in all technical aspects of their work as well as concerning any cultural or religious sensibilities that may arise. Special skills and training are required for consultations with women and children. IX. Who should be consulted? • National consultations should involve all the key stakeholders, including victims and witnesses of past patterns of abuse and oppression, women, children, as well as those who are outside the country, as refugees, emigrants or exiles. • Women are sometimes disregarded or consulted inadequately or inappropriately, for instance, by or in the presence of men. The consultation of women should be undertaken by women, without haste and with full respect for the confidentiality of individual views, while also taking account of the stigmatization that may be associated with having been subjected to sexual violence. A well-designed consultation process 32