International Human Rights and the International Human Rights System A Manual for National Human Rights Institutions Young girls pass a vehicle belonging to the United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur, as they return from school inside Zam Zam Internally Displaced Persons Camp in North Darfur, Sudan. UN Photo by Stuart Price. about the situation, including any Government involved and the alleged or potential perpetrators. Usually, however, the concerned Government will refuse to cooperate with the inquiry and may even prevent the commission from visiting the location of the situation. The commission may also visit neighbouring countries, especially if the country under investigation refuses it entry, where it will want to speak with those who have fled the situation and who may have direct or indirect knowledge of what occurred or is occurring. The commission may be forced to collect and rely on secondary evidence, that is, evidence from reliable, credible organizations that have direct or indirect knowledge of the events. NHRIs can play a very important role in these circumstances, as they often have vital information obtained from its own staff and from victims and witnesses. The NHRI of the country concerned and other NHRIs with relevant knowledge can assist these special inquiries by providing information, proposing persons and organizations that may be able to assist, arranging meetings and interviews, and so on. “A status” NHRIs can participate in the HRC debates on the inquiry and the situation, at both regular and special sessions. They can also support the inquiry’s report when it is submitted, commenting on the findings and recommendations, supporting implementation and monitoring and reporting on developments. 3. WORKING GROUPS ON DEVELOPING NEW HUMAN RIGHTS INSTRUMENTS The HRC establishes an ad hoc working group when it decides to develop a new international human rights instrument. The new instrument can be a treaty, a declaration or some other form of instrument that sets out human rights principles and obligations. These working groups are often described as: Chapter 9: Ad hoc mechanisms of the Human Rights Council | 61