pandemic has created for them individually, as well as collectively as a region. It is also an unparalleled opportunity to focus on developing a common vision and on helping create, design and implement future activities to address country specific challenges, shared experiences and as well as newfound ways to foster the strengthening of cooperation across the region. c. Purpose of the document – to learn and share experiences This document is a summary of the experiences shared by the NHRIs of Palestine, Iraq, and Qatar. In sharing these experiences, it is hoped that other NHRIs in the region, and beyond, can draw upon the work of these NHRIs to inform their own work and assist them in navigating the COVID-19 paradigm that all NHRIs must operate in for the foreseeable future. The SRO has also used these experiences to identify common challenges and opportunities for collaboration in the SRO workplan. Importance of NHRIs a. Why NHRIs are so important – particularly during times of a humanitarian crisis Independent and effective NHRIs can be powerful agents for change. They use their complaint handling, investigation, advisory and education functions to promote and protect the human rights of all people in the country, especially vulnerable groups, as well as engage with the international human rights system to draw attention to pressing issues. In times of a humanitarian crisis, NHRIs are uniquely placed to promote and protect human rights and to ensure that the situation does not lead to human rights being exploited. NHRIs have a role to work with the relevant authorities and stakeholders in order to stress the implementation of a human rights based response suited for the situation, ensuring that no one is left behind. 3