Responsibility for implementing the plan is likely to be spread over several levels of
government, particularly if a country has a federal constitutional arrangement. In
some cases, provincial or local governments will have substantial responsibilities, for
example in the areas of administration of justice, policing, health, education, housing
and so on. Special attention will have to be given to ensuring that these subordinate
levels of government are part of the coordination process. Central government
agencies responsible for specific areas of the plan should assume responsibility for
briefing and consulting provincial or local government agencies. The coordinating
committee should also consider arranging seminars, briefing sessions or some other
form of direct communication with such agencies to ensure that those with grassroots
responsibilities are fully engaged in the national action plan process.
10.2
Implementing partners
Government agencies have primary responsibility for implementation of the plan,
which will thus assign responsibility for implementing various activities to ministries
or departments of justice, foreign affairs, defence, education, health and so on.
Discussions about which agencies are responsible for what should form part of the
process of developing the plan. It is important for the plan to make explicit reference
to the various institutional responsibilities so that it is clear to the agencies themselves
as well as to stakeholders and the general public.
The concept of implementing partners should extend beyond the government agencies
with responsibility for implementing various sections of the plan. The range of issues
to be covered by a plan is so wide and the need for broad participation and
involvement so great that the approach to implementation must be an innovative and
inclusive one. Thus, the coordinating committee and its secretariat, as well as the
various government agencies responsible for the plan, should identify other potential
partners who may be interested and capable of furthering its objectives.
For example, in the area of human rights education, partnerships may be developed
with professional associations of teachers, authors and publishers of textbooks and
other materials, Internet search engines and service providers, and media personalities
and organizations. In the area of administration of justice, partnerships may be
developed with professional associations of jurists, police and security personnel,
social workers and community organizations. There may also be scope for developing
partnerships with international bodies such as United Nations agencies. In all areas,
the plan should give consideration to establishing productive partnerships with
relevant NGOs, trade unions, business corporations and philanthropic foundations.
Implementing partners may become involved in a wide range of activities such as:
• Development of projects in cooperation with the police, the judiciary, prison
officials and legal aid organizations aimed at the protection of the rights of persons
who are arrested or in detention;
• Funding of projects aimed at improving the health status or employment chances of
vulnerable people by business corporations or philanthropic foundations;
• Promotion of awareness of the human rights aspects of issues such as HIV/AIDS,
child labour or trafficking in women by the media and prominent personalities;
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