Conducting a National Inquiry into Systemic Patterns of Human Rights Violation KEY POINTS: CHAPTER 2 • A national inquiry is an investigation into a systemic human rights problem in which the public in general is invited to participate through providing public evidence and written submissions, which has investigative and educational objectives and which results in a report with findings and recommendations. • A national inquiry is a good means to address complex human rights situations that are historical and systemic in nature and that require comprehensive examination and report. • A national inquiry is a very effective mechanism but a demanding one and so should be undertaken only after careful consideration of all the relevant factors as to the appropriateness of the issue for the national inquiry approach and the capacity of the NHRI to undertake the inquiry successfully. 12