CHAPTER 3: ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF NHRIS KEY MESSAGES NHRI Roles and Responsibilities at the National Level 11NHRIs exist in a dynamic tension between right-holders and duty-bearers, offering a neutral and ideally objective space in which to interact and exchange ideas in a constructive way. 11Promotion and protection responsibilities are intertwined and mutually reinforcing. Protection 11NHRIs have a critical role in investigations, monitoring, and receiving complaints and making recommendations to prevent future human rights abuses. 11Public inquiries are an additional role for NHRIs. Promotion 11NHRIs should promote human rights. NHRIs must assist in the formulation and delivery of education initiatives to publicise human rights and to increase public awareness. 11NHRIs inform people of the human rights they enjoy. They also encourage States and the public at large to understand rights and that these rights must be respected. 11The range and scope of promotional activities possible are limited only by the mandates and structures as well as the creativity of the institution itself, and that of its staff, and by available finances. 11NHRIs have a general responsibility to advise States institutions, including executive government, Parliament, the judiciary, and any other competent bodies on human rights matters, including the domestic application of international human rights law. 11National institutions are uniquely positioned to facilitate and enable all stakeholders in human rights to come together and, where appropriate, to cooperate in of enhancing human rights protection. Cooperation 11The Paris Principles state that NHRIs should consult with other bodies responsible for human rights protection and promotion. This includes cooperation with NHRIs of other countries. 11The Paris Principles state that NHRIs should “cooperate with the United Nations and any other organization in the United Nations system”. This particular function has evolved considerably over the years and includes cooperation with international human rights mechanisms. 11NHRIs are well suited to participate in the international human rights system for the promotion and protection of human rights. 11NHRIs may play an instrumental role in collaborating with the special procedures in relation to the organization of country visits, communications, and follow-up to recommendations, as well as in support of nominations of mandate holders and information and outreach. 11NHRI may play a constructive role in engaging with the Human Rights Council, including its universal periodic review. 49