In addition, the following considerations may be useful:
•
Some thematic reports are printed in hard copy but most are also available online, including in
different languages. In common with other reports, some NPMs also publish their reports in plain
language versions. Publication of a word or text only version can also help differently abled people
who use specialised software to access reports. Printed reports may also be distributed to places,
including places of deprivation of liberty, where internet access may be limited.
•
When used for a clear purpose, graphics and photographs can be a powerful way to illustrate
specific trends, conditions or situations documented in the report, although it is important to ensure
that, in photographs, individual persons cannot be identified.
•
NPMs may also consider other ways of disseminating their findings, including video and audio
summaries.
What should be the dissemination and follow-up strategy for a thematic
report?
When planning a thematic report, NPMs should ensure that they also allocate sufficient time and
resources for its dissemination and to follow-up on its key recommendations. NPMs may wish to define
a dissemination and follow-up strategy for each report, depending on the subject. This strategy might
include some or all of the following:
•
Presentation of the report and discussions with high-level authorities, including, for example,
bilateral our roundtable meetings with the heads and senior policy makers within the relevant
ministries.
•
Presentation to parliament and relevant parliamentary committees, particularly in relation to
recommendations on law reform.
•
Meetings with the judiciary.
•
Dialogue with the heads of institutions covered by the report to discuss the findings and relevance
for each institution, as well as how they will implement the recommendations.
•
A public event, such as a press conference or public panel, to launch the report and raise awareness
of the key findings.
•
Working meetings with key partners, in particular civil society organisations, the bar association, or
others who have an interest and can play a role in ensuring the recommendations are implemented.
•
Wide dissemination of the report, by email, social media, post, and so forth.
It is important to note that dissemination and follow-up is not a one-time event and that the findings of
a thematic report will likely be embedded in the NPM’s ongoing dialogue with authorities and planning
for future action.
NPM Toolkit for Asia Pacific NPM-NHRIs
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