Human Rights and Disability A Manual for National Human Rights Institutions Introduction to Part III 238 Knowing as I do the ineffective impact of law that remains on the books never enforced or implemented, I see NHRIs as an important transmission belt – that stand to ignite and trigger operational and meaningful CRPD compliance. Charlotte Voyiswa McClain-Nhlapo238 International law is not self-executing. It needs to be brought home and ‘translated’ in the local setting in order to drive long-term change. NHRIs are a key part of this translation effort. To the authentic voice of civil society – which is a precondition for legitimate change – NHRIs can add their authoritative voice, creating a potent partnership for progress and reform. Part III of this Manual focuses on how NHRIs can become effective champions for the rights of persons with disabilities. It sets out the range of possible activities which NHRIs might carry out in partnership with or supported by civil society. It does so against the familiar backdrop of the three core tasks of any national monitoring mechanism: ‘promoting, protecting and monitoring’ the implementation of human rights. These responsibilities apply regardless of ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. However, the Convention crystallises these traditional responsibilities in article 33. Part III draws on positive examples of engagement by NHRIs in different parts of the world: Section I describes how NHRIs might prepare themselves for effective engagement, while Section II looks at examples of positive engagement and the positive results this has generated. 238 92 Representing the International Coordination Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (now known as the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions) during the negotiations on the Convention in the UN Ad Hoc Committee.