CHAPTER 3: INTEGRATING REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS: INNOVATIONS AND EMERGING GOOD PRACTICES Mongolia: Using the Millennium Development Goals and public health data to monitor reproductive rights The National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia uses the MDGs (especially as they relate to child and maternal mortality) as one of its benchmarks when monitoring or advocating around reproductive rights. The Commission sees this as an affirmative ground for advocacy: the MDGs have universal support and are well understood by the Commission’s partners, particularly within government where much important data is generated. In monitoring reproductive rights, the Commission works closely with the health ministry. This relationship ensures that its own information position is strong, enabling effective policy development and follow-up. A Commission official noted that: “this cooperation helps to make sure that our activities are relevant and cohesive”. The MDGs are also used by the Malaysian Human Rights Commission in its monitoring of sexual and reproductive rights. New Zealand: Reporting on sexual and reproductive rights The New Zealand Human Rights Commission issues an annual “State of Human Rights” report. From 2011 the Report will include a section on sexual and reproductive rights. This section will be largely descriptive. It will avoid advocating a particular position on issues, rather seeking to document and describe the conversation around sexual and reproductive rights in New Zealand. The Commission views constructive conversation about such issues as important but difficult to initiate and mediate. It notes that the human rights framework provides a useful vehicle in this regard. Nepal: Support for Commission staff with babies and young children In December 2009, the National Human Rights Commission of Nepal opened a baby care centre (crèche) that provides care for the infants and babies of staff. This initiative found its authority in various provisions under the CRC and CEDAW and sought to address unsatisfactory maternity leave entitlements that affect all Government employees. Funding for the Centre is drawn from the Commission’s operating budget. It is intended that this initiative may facilitate the opening of similar childcare centres in other Government and private offices. 31