SECTION TWO: How NHRIs can address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on LGBTI communities This will also allow them to better respond to complaints about human rights violations that emerge in a crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. They will also be able to connect with organisations working on SOGIESC issues who may be able to assist victims. POSSIBLE ACTIONS • Train NHRI members and staff to be sensitive and responsive to the needs of victims who experience discrimination and violence on the basis of their SOGIESC, for instance when applying for state benefits, or wanting to access testing or vaccinations. • To encourage reporting from LGBTI people, publish anonymous case studies of complaints the NHRI has received and resolved, reach out to LGBTI organisations, and speak up about the human rights issues LGBTI people and organisations are facing, including on important days of action and remembrance for specific groups. • Provide information, in accessible and understandable languages and formats, to LGBTI individuals and organisations to assist victims of human rights violations to lodge complaints with the NHRI. • Actively investigate complaints regarding the infringement of LGBTI people’s rights during the COVID-19 pandemic. • Maintain a database of complaints of human rights violations related to the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure that complaints of violations on the basis of SOGIESC are duly recorded and the data can be disaggregated and analysed later. GOOD PRACTICE EXAMPLE In response to the increase in the number of complaints received during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines launched an online reporting system for victims of gender-based violence, including for those who are targeted by violence because they are LGBTQIA+ persons. As of March 2022, the platform has documented 27 cases against LGBTQIA+ people. 6. Court interventions and monitoring NHRIs may submit amicus curiae briefs as part of court proceedings, to advise the court as an impartial expert body on the application of human rights law. NHRIs can use their expertise in cases regarding SOGIESC issues, including in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. NHRIs may also raise their voice when States roll back human rights through legislative amendments as part of their COVID-19 response. POSSIBLE ACTIONS • Monitor cases coming before the courts that raise human rights issues concerning SOGIESC and seek to intervene where appropriate and necessary. 22