protection of human rights.5 3. Data collection methodology On February 29, 2024, the NHRC explained to the complainant the differences in authority between it and the NHRCK and explained that, if the matter in question is determined to constitute gender discrimination, the NHRC would only be capable of providing policy recommendations. To reiterate, the focus of the investigation is on whether the case constitutes gender discrimination and whether the government has fulfilled its national responsibilities set forth in the applicable human rights conventions. The NHRC referenced the Asian Pacific Forum’s (APF) Undertaking Effective Investigations: A Guide for National Human Rights Institutions in the formulation of its investigative plan. 6 Please refer to Figure 1 for a summary of the NHRC’s data collection and investigation methodology. 5 See Paragraph 3 of CESCR’s General Comment No. 10, the CEDAW Committee’s Statement on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (E/CN.6/2008/CRP.1), and OSCE/ODIHR’s Handbook for National Human Rights Institutions on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (2012). 6 APF (2013, updated May 2018). Undertaking Effective Investigations: A Guide for National Human Rights Institutions. 13