National Mechanisms for Reporting and Follow-up 2 functioning and efficient NMRF, drawing on different State practices, while at the same time not proposing a one-size-fits-all solution. The research underlying these documents is based on input received from 23 Member States, with a closer focus on eight case studies (Mauritius, Morocco, Senegal, Cambodia, Republic of Korea, Bahamas, Mexico and Portugal).25 2.2. Definition and benefits A national mechanism for reporting and follow-up is a governmental structure that is mandated to coordinate with, prepare reports to, and engage with international and regional human rights mechanisms (including Treaty Bodies, the UPR and Special Procedures), and to coordinate and track national follow-up and implementation of treaty obligations and the recommendations emanating from these mechanisms. An NMRF performs these functions in coordination with Ministries, specialized State bodies (such as the National Statistics Office), SDG implementation focal point (agency/Ministry), parliament and the judiciary, as well as in consultation with the national human rights institution(s), civil society including the most marginalized groups. National mechanisms have the potential to become one of the key components of the national human rights protection system, bringing international and regional human rights norms and practices directly to national level. They build national ownership, empower line ministries, enhance human rights expertise in a sustainable manner, stimulate national dialogue, facilitate communication within the Government, and allow for structured and formalized contacts with parliament, the judiciary, national human rights institutions and civil society. Through such institutionalized contacts, the voices of victims and their representatives will also increasingly be heard. 25 See: Practical Guide and accompanying Study on “Effective State Engagement with International Human Rights Mechanisms – National Mechanisms for Reporting and Follow-up”. 19