Continuing collaboration for change The outcomes of this project demonstrate the significant benefits for NHRIs and intergovernmental mechanisms that can come from dialogue and collaboration on human rights issues of shared concern. Relationships have been established or deepened, where previously little connections existed. Collaboration has been initiated at a national level in some countries. NHRIs and IGMs in the Pacific and South-East Asia have all expressed a desire to continue the dialogue on human rights, climate change and the environment. Future engagement may take different forms, some of which are canvassed here. To support this process, the APF has identified guiding principles to inform NHRI engagement with their respective intergovernmental mechanisms, which are set out in a policy paper prepared for this project. Guiding Principles for NHRI engagement Given the developments in NHRI participation at the international and regional level, NHRIs should be guided by the following principles when engaging with intergovernmental mechanisms addressing human rights issues: 1. NHRIs which are accredited with ‘A status’ should formally collaborate with intergovernmental mechanisms. 2. NHRIs should aim towards increasing the likelihood of implementation and compliance by the State with the findings and decisions of intergovernmental mechanisms on human rights issues. 3. NHRIs should provide reliable, accurate and regular information to intergovernmental mechanisms. 4. NHRIs should provide publicity and increase awareness of the human rights related work of intergovernmental mechanisms at the domestic level. 5. NHRIs should act as a bridge between domestic implementation of the human rights recommendations of intergovernmental mechanisms. 6. NHRIs should consider providing technical assistance to the State in the implementation of human rights recommendations of intergovernmental mechanisms. 7. NHRIs should collaborate with relevant national stakeholders in monitoring implementation of the human rights recommendations of intergovernmental mechanisms. Regular formal dialogues and exchange NHRIs and their intergovernmental mechanisms may consider the establishment of an annual dialogue to discuss human rights issues of common concern; for example, human rights and climate change, business and human rights, or human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals. These dialogues would be an opportunity for participants to share updates on activities over the past 12 months, as well as identify and plan coordinated programs of work, in line with their respective mandates and priorities. - 36 -