3.3 Community identifies resources (inputs) By this stage the community has completed an analysis of its human rights issues (situation) and decided what it would look like should these issues be addressed (outcomes). The next stage is for the community is to identify the resources it has, and requires, to achieve the outcomes. These are the inputs and include both personnel and other resources. The most important resource for any HRCLD approach is its people – community leaders and members, potential partners, externals with particular expertise. The situation analysis will have identified the capacities, strengths and gaps in the community. While you will have had these discussions when you began to engage with the community, it may be a good time to reiterate who you are as an NHRI – your powers, functions and obligations – and how you can support the community reach its outcomes. Help the community to understand that NHRIs: • operate and function independently from government, and from non-governmental organisations. • focus on the human rights dimensions of a situation rather than taking a stand about the situation itself • help bridge the gap between people’s rights and the responsibilities of the State by: » monitoring the human rights situation in the country and the actions of the State » providing advice to the State so that it can meet its human rights commitments » receiving, investigating and resolving complaints of human rights violations » undertaking human rights education programs for all sections of the community » engaging with the international human rights community to raise issues and advocate for recommendations that can be made to the State. Once the community understands your powers and limitations, it will be able to think about other supporter, collaborators or partners. Encourage the community to know and access its allies The role of your NHRI is to facilitate the HRCLD approach as a means by which the community can address its issues - not to lead and deliver. That is the role of the community. It is important therefore that the community identifies those external to it with whom collaboration or partnership would be beneficial. For example, a priority issue for Vanuanui is access to clean water. They access the services of the NGO ‘Pacific Conservation’ to partner with them in their efforts to address this issue. Other resource considerations include: • budget • research and information • materials, equipment, technologies and resources to ensure equitable access - support systems, including administration, language interpreters • time • environmental requirements, such as an accessible venue, childcare, refreshments and work spaces • communications. APF HRCLD Guide 45