REPORTING TO THE UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS TREATY BODIES TRAINING GUIDE: Part I — Manual 6. Engagement of NHRIs and CSOs in the Reporting Process This Chapter explores the involvement of the national human rights institutions (NHRIs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) in the reporting process – from preparation of the report, the review process by the Treaty Body, to implementation of the concluding observations. A checklist for stakeholders on how to engage with the Treaty Bodies is included in Annex 2, Part I of this Training Guide. NHRIs and CSOs (international, regional, national and local) working on the promotion and protection of human rights can engage at all stages of the work of the Treaty Bodies, namely on the reporting process, the communications procedure, the inquiry procedure, the country visits, any early warning and urgent action procedures where they exist, at Days of General or Thematic Discussions, and development of general comments. This involvement has been recognized by the Treaty Bodies as an essential element in the promotion and implementation of the international human rights treaties and their optional protocols at national level. While some treaties expressly provide for a role of CSOs or NHRIs in the work of the Treaty Body, most Treaty Bodies have formalized their cooperation with NHRIs and CSOs and have adopted procedures of interaction with them in various documents, such as in their working methods, official papers, statements and information notes. Most Treaty Bodies reach out to relevant NHRIs and encourage them to be involved in the upcoming review of their country of interest. This chapter will focus on the involvement of these stakeholders in the reporting process. NHRIs and CSOs, usually national and local, can engage in the Treaty Bodies’ reporting process by actively participating in the national reporting preparations. They can provide useful inputs into the State party reports by sharing their views and assessment of the State party’s implementation of a particular international human rights treaty and of the relevant previous recommendations. However, to be able to participate State parties are strongly encouraged to engage in a participatory approach and hold broad and meaningful consultations with NHRIs and CSOs along the national reporting process, as stated in Chapters 2 (on NMRFs) and 3 (Benefits of Reporting) of this Guide. The consultations may take different forms such as workshops, meetings, or requests for inputs and comments in relation to the drafting of State reports (see the checklist in Section v, Coordinating with and consulting relevant stakeholders). They represent an opportunity for the Government to have an open discussion on its draft reports and responses to the Treaty Bodies with key stakeholders, all of which can strengthen transparency and accountability. However, this participation does not imply that NHRIs and CSOs will be taking over the drafting of a report or that they will be undertaking joint reporting with the State party. 68 As mentioned in Chapter 4, NHRIs and CSOs can also engage directly in the reporting process by submitting their own reports, known as alternative reports, and by presenting oral information to the Treaty Bodies at different stages of the reporting cycle (see figure, below). NHRIS and CSOs wishing to brief a Treaty Body but do not have the means to travel to Geneva may avail themselves of the possibility of doing so by video-conference (VTC).They should contact the relevant Secretariat to make such a request. The country-specific information they provide, along with information provided