ANNUAL REPORT 2011 In addition, we need to further raise public awareness of the NHRC and our broad-ranging functions. Unless our constituents know we exist, and what we can do, we will be unable to protect their human rights. Our budget needs to be increased substantially – and we are encouraged that the government and the President have expressed their support and commitment to enable the NHRC to operate effectively. We also need, as a matter of urgency, to employ staff, train them in all their functional roles – including in processing the complaints of human rights violations we are already receiving – and support them with effective resource management systems. We also have to develop effective operating systems – decision-making, administrative and financial. The NHRC is fortunate to have the support of a five year capacity development project coordinated by UNDP in partnership with the governments of Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland and Korea. That project has established the following benchmarks which the NHRC adopts as its institutional goals: Ÿ NHRC’s organisation structure is designed and implemented Ÿ Strategic planning systems designed and implemented underpinning the NHRC’s activities with planning, budgeting and performance measurement (M&E) Ÿ Human Resource Management, policies, structures, systems and procedures developed and implemented Ÿ Regional Offices of the NHRC established and fully operational Ÿ Commission members and Secretary are fully equipped to provide leadership and good management to the NHRC. Ÿ Budgeting and financial management policies, structure, systems and procedures developed and implemented. Outcome: General awareness of the NHRC and all its roles. A credible institution established and operating effectively and efficiently. 6.2 Human Rights Promotion, Education and Awareness-raising National institutions need effective human rights information, education and communication strategies, including human rights awareness-raising programmes extensive. This recognises that unless NHRI constituents are aware of and understand their rights, they will be unable to access them. That said, the NHRC is aware that there have been a range of human rights awareness-raising programmes initiatives in various parts of the country over a considerable period of time. Whatever the Commission does in this area should complement and build on these initiatives and the commission is committed to working with NGOs to spread the NHRCs message countrywide. As a starting point, the Commission proposes to undertake a detailed baseline study to determine public attitudes and awareness of human rights as well as awareness of the Commission’s existence and role. The Commission will also may current and recent awarenessraising initiatives to better coordinate future information and education strategies. These activities will provide critical baseline data which will support the development of appropriate and targeted community education campaigns by the Commission. It is intended that the 82