• Seek to consult with people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identity and use participatory processes in their work with these groups to build up trust and empower those groups. • Partner with those who have access to these diverse communities with a view to engaging those communities most effectively. • Consult widely with the community, including the full range of civil society organisations and governmental institutions. This would include health care professionals, social workers and other social service and health providers as well as community and religious leaders. Capacity Building and Research We recommend that NHRIs: Build NHRI Capacity 1. Undertake an internal dialogue on issues relating to the human rights of persons of diverse sexual orientation or gender identity and build the capacity of the institution to understand the issues and to react appropriately. 2. Build relationships, consult and work with persons of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, including CSOs, in order to inform the work of the NHRI in the promotion and protection of human rights generally and in relation to the rights of persons of diverse sexual orientation or gender identity. 3. Develop communication strategies for positive engagement with persons of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. NHRIs should consider engaging with SOGI NGOs to ensure that their experience and expertise is utilised to ensure an effective communication outreach to the SOGI community. Conduct Research 4. Inform themselves about available or on-going research in their jurisdiction and overseas relating to the nature and incidence of human rights violations based on sexual orientation or gender identity. 5. Identify gaps in that research and foster or undertake research to fill those gaps for example through universities and CSOs. 6. Foster or undertake research, documentation and the gathering of information on discrimination, including direct and indirect, multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity including by nonState and private actors. 7. Facilitate studies with appropriate stakeholders on protecting the rights (including economic, social and cultural rights) of persons of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities in the context of local social and cultural traditions and religious beliefs. ACJ Report: Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity 33