sometimes opening up possibilities for freedom of expression that are new to a society and can have long-term beneficial effects. National consultations need to be distinguished from outreach activities. They are not intended as mere one-way information channels to keep the community informed of work that may be under way. Nor can they be mere public relations exercises. Instead, national consultations are a form of vigorous and respectful dialogue whereby the consulted parties are given the space to express themselves freely, in a secure environment, with a view to shaping or enhancing the design of transitional justice programmes. National consultations should also, to the extent possible, be distinguished from the discussions and debates that occur as a substantive part of a transitional justice programme, for instance, in truth verification proceedings or public hearings. National consultations do inevitably touch on issues of substance about the past but these have to be addressed with great care so as not to lose sight of the purpose of the consultations, to avoid compromising future transitional justice programmes and not to raise unrealistic expectations. 3