Part II National human rights institutions’ domestic activities and functions 2. EDUCATION AND TRAINING The mandate of NHRIs extends beyond promotional activities to include developing and delivering human rights education and training programmes for different groups in the community. 2.1. THE BROADER POPULATION Educational activities on indigenous peoples’ human rights that target the broader population can help counter ignorance and empower the community to address difficult challenges from an informed perspective.191 The Commissioner on Human Rights in the Russian Federation organized a competition for students to write about the human rights situation of indigenous peoples now and into the future.191 2.2. INDIGENOUS PEOPLES NHRIs are uniquely placed to assist States in meeting their obligations under article 39 of the Declaration by providing technical assistance to indigenous peoples about the exercise of the rights contained in the Declaration. Education campaigns can build off promotional activities. Amnesty International has noted that “a population which is educated in their human rights is an asset to assist NHRIs carry out their task”.192 Human rights education that is delivered through adapted training methods can empower indigenous peoples to exercise their rights and bring about social change.193 The Australian Human Rights Commission has produced a suite of community education and awareness raising materials on the Declaration. These materials include: • A colourful plain language guide that includes case studies of how the rights to the Declaration can be used • A short overview of the Declaration • A double-sided poster with the text of the Declaration on one side and an artistic interpretation of it on the other • A short video documentary on the Declaration. These materials were produced with feedback from indigenous peoples.193 191 Presentation to OHCHR workshop, Towards an Operational Guide for National Human Rights Institutions: Possible good practices in addressing the rights of Indigenous Peoples. 192 Amnesty International, National Human Rights Institutions: Recommendations for Effective Protection and Promotion of Human Rights (2001). 193 Information provided by the Australian Human Rights Commission. Chapter 7: Awareness raising and education 61