Part II National human rights institutions’ domestic activities and functions 3.8. FOLLOW-UP NHRIs should establish a dialogue with the relevant authorities to discuss the steps involved in implementing the report’s recommendations. These steps should be subsequently monitored. NHRIs should also seek to follow up with, and report back to, indigenous peoples and communities that participated in the public inquiry.251252 In 2004, following numerous complaints of human rights violations in the Khomani San (indigenous) community, the South African Human Rights Commission launched an inquiry. The inquiry had three key phases: The initial phase of the inquiry was research conducted by Commission staff, as well as commissioned researchers where specific expertise was required. The research was holistic, utilizing a variety of sources and disciplines. The second phase was consultations conducted by Commission staff with the Khomani San community. Cultural sensitivity and ensuring community confidence were central elements of this phase. The third phase was a three-day public hearing with the Khomani San community. The hearing was conducted within the community to facilitate their participation. Individuals, community organizations, NGOs, other stakeholders and government agencies all participated in the public hearing.251 One important outcome of the inquiry was that community members expressed to the Commission that this was the: ... the first real opportunity they had to articulate the matters that affect them, which threaten their survival, their culture, their language, their economic prosperity and their future as a people.252 The inquiry sought to identify systemic and underlying causes of human rights violations The inquiry report made a number of recommendations targeted at various stakeholders and levels of government. Since the inquiry, the recommendations have become the cornerstone of the Commission’s work to promote the rights of indigenous peoples in South Africa. Accordingly, the Commission has taken on a monitoring role, following up progress on the recommendations and requesting information and update reports from various government departments. 251 South African Human Rights Commission, Report on the Inquiry into Human Rights Violations in the Khomani San Community (2004), pp. 9-10, available at: www.sahrc.org.za/home/21/files/Reports/KHOMANI_SAN_ENGLISH_FINAL.pdf. 252 Ibid., p. 4. Chapter 10: Public inquiries | 97