explored to organise the peer-to-peer exchanges in a less resource-intensive way, e.g. by using electronic and shorter formats that do not require extensive travels. The new digital working formats explored during the pandemic opened up many interesting opportunities in that regard. This may, however, require already existing contacts and exchanges in order to be attractive to the participants and ensure an atmosphere of trust. Moreover, it would be useful to consider how the exchanges of this project can be adequately followed up. Exchange platforms have already been set up that can be further explored. Another challenge is that a peer exchange may motivate and convince the affected state authorities of the promising practices, but the change fails on the political level. It is thus important to consider how key decision-makers can also be involved and ensure the adequate follow-up to the expert discussions. This is best discussed within a larger Theory of Change (see above, § 2.1.3) and considering the adequate tools such as advocacy or awareness-raising (see below, § 3.2). 2.6 Building alliances across movements The building of alliances and coalitions has been described as a key factor for effective change processes.62 They can contribute in gaining a fuller understanding of the problem, developing an inclusive change vision and to engage key stakeholders in the process. Alliances provide support and create a network of contacts to easily coordinate interventions. EXAMPLE In the past years, Fair Trial sought to build a cross-movement coalition, in particular on racial justice. While Fair Trial focuses on how discrimination and bias occur throughout the criminal proceedings (e.g. pre-trial detention, sentencing), other organisations bring different perspectives, including on police practices (use of violence; racial profiling); the criminalisation of migration; digital rights and technology; organisations representing certain communities that face racial inequality across all social and economic policies. That is why in the experience of Fair Trials, “working across movements” is key to deepen and improve our understanding of often complex issues. In many cases, people who end up being arrested face additional other issues, such as structural racism (racial profiling), an uncertain migration status, homelessness or other situations of poverty, substance abuse, mental health issues. Thus, it is critical to work with other movements in view of bringing a comprehensive response to all underlying issues that are linked to policing, arrest and police custody. Moreover, working in coalitions helps civil society organisations amplify messaging. This project aimed at fostering broad national alliances for the strengthening of procedural rights, namely through the organisation of national consultations and the development of action plans. These exchanges provided a good opportunity to discuss problems and generated energy and motivation for reforms. EXAMPLE As part of Ireland’s action plan, efforts were made to create an informal alliance for strengthening procedural rights. In preparation of the national workshop, an expert advisory group was put together to exchange information. This group initially included just defence lawyers and academics. However, after the national workshop, the network was expanded to include motivated police officers. This was due to the genuine interest and enthusiasm of the police officers engaged in the project as well as their commitment 62. OHCHR, ‘Chapter 31: Advocacy and Intervention with the National Authorities’ in Manual on Human Rights Monitoring (Revised edition) (2011) 8; Cheryl Thomas and others, ‘Developing Legislation on Violence Against Women and Girls’ (Advocates for Human Rights 2011) 761. 28