Part II National human rights institutions’ domestic activities and functions A programme of work could either be general in nature (i.e. focusing on the entire situation of the indigenous peoples within the specific State) or targeted to a particular thematic area (i.e. focusing on indigenous peoples rights to lands, territories and resources). Staff employed in these programmes should meet additional selection criteria, which ensure that they are suitably skilled and experienced to work sensitively and appropriately with indigenous peoples.175 If suitable staff cannot be identified, NHRIs could engage appropriately qualified and experienced consultants to work on the relevant programmes or projects. Partnerships and collaborations with indigenous peoples’ organizations will again be important in this regard.176177 The Aboriginal and Torres Islander Social Justice Commissioner of the Australian Human Rights Commission176 has a mandate to promote, advocate and monitor the enjoyment and exercise of human rights by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (the indigenous peoples of Australia). This work includes an annual report to the Parliament of Australia that makes recommendations regarding the enjoyment and exercise of human rights by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and an annual report on the effect of the Native Title Act on the exercise and enjoyment of these nights. The Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples stated that: ... the position of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner within the Australian Human Rights Commission [is] an exceptional model for advancing the recognition and protection of rights of indigenous peoples.177 The Commissioner is supported by a small team of policy staff in the Social Justice Unit of the Commission. All staff employed in the Social Justice Unit are required to meet two additional selection criteria: • A demonstrated knowledge and understanding of human rights issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in contemporary Australian society and the diversity of circumstances of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples • A demonstrated ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders. These criteria help ensure that the staff of the Social Justice Unit can work effectively to assist the Commissioner’s work and have the skills to engage appropriately with indigenous peoples and their organizations. 175 Ibid. 176 Information provided by the Australian Human Rights Commission. 177 A/HRC/15/37Add.4, para. 78. Chapter 6: Accessibility of NHRIs to indigenous peoples | 51