The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples A Manual for National Human Rights Institutions 4.2.2. Visiting the community Consultation and engagement should occur, as much as is possible, at the convenience of the community. The buy-in of key organizations and individuals is essential to ensure that this is achieved. The following strategies should be considered: • Ensure consultations are appropriately timed, preferably coinciding with other community-wide events but not with cultural activities or ceremonies • Identify cultural protocols, including relevant gender issues, that must be respected • Identify appropriate codes of attire that should be worn in the community • Develop an understanding of the communication conventions adopted by the community (i.e. is eye contact appropriate?) • Develop a language profile of the community; do not assume the official language of the state is spoken and use interpreters where necessary • Use plain language and avoid bureaucratic language • Encourage the participation of all people in the community; where appropriate, work with groups based on gender and age • Identify if there are any locations within the community where permission must or should be sought before entering • Develop trust and seek permission for any activities in advance; do not assume that the indigenous community wants you there • Be realistic about what will be achieved from the visit, consultation or programme. 4.2.3. After the visit To establish trust and good working relationships, it is important that NHRIs follow up with the indigenous communities after a visit. KEY POINTS: CHAPTER 6 • NHRIs must be accessible to indigenous peoples in order to effectively advance the protection, promotion and realization of their human rights. • It is important that NHRIs promote awareness among indigenous peoples of who they are and what they do. This may require targeted promotional campaigns. • NHRIs should recognize that indigenous peoples may be reluctant to engage with them. • NHRIs should take actions to engage indigenous peoples in remote locations. • Collaborations and partnerships with indigenous peoples’ organizations can foster greater engagement by NHRIs with indigenous peoples. • NHRIs are encouraged to have an indigenous presence within their organization. It is important to engage with indigenous peoples and their organizations in the recruitment process of indigenous staff. • Indigenous-specific programmes of work will foster an indigenous presence within NHRIs. Staff working in these units should meet additional selection criteria to ensure that they have the necessary skills and experience to work sensitively and appropriately with indigenous peoples. • NHRIs should be guided by a human rights-based approach when working with indigenous peoples. 56 | Chapter 6: Accessibility of NHRIs to indigenous peoples