Conducting a National Inquiry into Systemic Patterns of Human Rights Violation The NHRI might decide that it can meet the costs of the inquiry from within its ordinary budget. If so, it will need to identify the funds clearly and transparently so that there is no later internal conflict. This is predominantly a priority-setting task that has to involve the NHRI at the highest level. If the NHRI decides to seek additional funding for the national inquiry, it could: • request an additional allocation from the State, either the Government or the parliament, by way of supplementation of its annual budget for the specific purpose of conducting the inquiry • seek a grant from another government fund elsewhere in the State sector, for example, a research or project fund relating to the area or subject of the inquiry • apply for project funding from a domestic donor • apply for project funding from an international donor. 8.3. PREMISES The inquiry team will need premises, such as offices, meeting rooms, administrative and services areas and so on. Usually it will work from the NHRI’s own offices and this is clearly preferable to maintain a close attachment between the inquiry and other activities of the NHRI. The inquiry is an activity of the institution and that ownership needs to be apparent internally and externally. Even if the inquiry team is located within the NHRI’s offices, additional space may still need to be found to accommodate all the inquiry staff and to hold various activities, such as meetings. 8.4. EQUIPMENT, SERVICES AND PUBLICATIONS The inquiry’s needs for equipment, services and publications will usually be met, at least in part, by the NHRI. For example, the inquiry should be able to access the NHRI’s telephones, photocopier, fax, scanner, internet facilities, mail services, library and so on. Nonetheless, the inquiry may have needs in addition to what the NHRI already has available, such as mobile telephones for staff doing fieldwork, additional computers for additional staff, perhaps additional printers and specialist books and publications on the subject of the inquiry that may not ordinarily be in the NHRI’s library. The inquiry should seek to identify and obtain as early as possible the additional equipment, resources and services it needs so that the inquiry’s work will not be delayed. KEY POINTS: CHAPTER 8 • An inquiry should not be launched unless and until the NHRI either has the resources it will need or is assured that it can obtain them at the necessary times. • The inquiry needs an adequate budget, properly prepared and secured in advance, to enable it to do what is required to meet its objectives and carry out the terms of reference. • The inquiry also needs premises, equipment, services and publications to enable it to do its work. 38