How the IRCT can be of support The IRCT seeks to provide all the support that our members need to assess the possibilities for engagement with UN mechanisms and to effectively engage if relevant. Below is an outline of the different ways in which we can support our members with this. Since this is done with limited human and financial resources, we cannot promise the delivery of all of these support elements to all interested members, but we will do our best to satisfy the need. Support with assessment of relevance of engagement The IRCT has extensive experience in working with the different UN human rights mechanisms and has a liaison office and staff based in Geneva. We therefore have a good overview of the types of outputs the different mechanisms are most likely to deliver, and how national NGOs can most effectively promote quality outputs with a minimal investment of human and financial resources. We are available for an informal discussion with our members on the different possibilities for engagement, which may be followed by a more concrete assessment of how this can be done most effectively. Technical support with producing information for the UN human rights mechanisms The IRCT can provide members with technical support to produce mainly written information to relevant UN human rights mechanisms. We have produced a series of practical guides on the different relevant mechanisms, which can be found on our website at www.irct.org. Furthermore, we can provide targeted guidance on how to produce written information and comment on existing draft documents. Lastly, when relevant, we may be in a position to produce joint reports with our members, where we will take a more active role in the drafting process. Where resources permit, we may also be in a position to conduct preparatory visits that will focus on developing capacity of local civil society and preparing an advocacy strategy for future engagement with UN mechanisms. Engaging with UN Human Rights Mechanisms: An Introduction 11