ANNEXES 121 In such circumstances, and without prejudice to the principles stated above concerning the other powers of the commissions, the functions entrusted to them may be based on the following principles: 1. Seeking an amicable settlement through conciliation or, within the limits prescribed by the law, through binding decisions or, where necessary, on the basis of confidentiality; 2. Informing the party who filed the petition of his rights, in particular the remedies available to him, and promoting his access to them; 3. Hearing any complaints or petitions or transmitting them to any other competent authority within the limits prescribed by the law; 4. Making recommendations to the competent authorities, especially by proposing amendments or reforms of the laws, regulations or administrative practices, especially if they have created the difficulties encountered by the persons filing the petitions in order to assert their rights. Note: 1. A/36/440 (1981), A/38/416 (1983), E/CN.4/1987/37 (1987), E/CN.4/1989/47 and Add. 1(1989), E/CN.4/1991/23 and Add. 1(1991). Printed at United Nations, Geneva; April 1993