National Institution for Human Rights – Kingdom of Bahrain of the plan. It is not possible to formulate a national action plan to improve human rights in the Kingdom without concerted effort between the executive authority, NIHR, and civil society institutions. Therefore, the role of NIHR is focused on helping the relevant authorities to prepare national human rights action plans in the Kingdom and the mechanism for the implementation of these plans, according to clear strategy, objectives and timeframe. 16. The National Institution for Human Rights action plan for the years 2013-2016 comprises five themes. The first theme is NIHR involvement in human rights protection efforts. In this regard, NIHR proposed a number of ideas aimed at strengthening its powers by making amendments to the Royal Decree establishing the Institution in a manner that ensures its capability to advance its functions and powers according to its establishment law. In the next phase, NIHR will use the various media and communication outlets to raise awareness among citizens about personal and public rights and freedoms, and ways to promote, protect and ensure the exercise of these rights. Awareness of human rights constitutes an essential input for protection from exposure to violations. In addition, the Institution will activate its powers in the field of receipt of complaints and the cooperation of the competent authorities with the Institution regarding the processing of these complaints. Further, the Institution aims to promote access to and communication with the complainants. It will publish a guide to dealing with complaints, and will prepare a standard regulation which will serve as reference for dealing with complaints, and evaluating the subjects of complaints, and categories of intervention and best treatment methods according to the best practices. The complaints unit of the Secretariat, under the supervision of the Complaints, Monitoring and Follow-up Committee, is provided with human resources specialized in the provision of legal assistance to victims of human rights violations, whether in terms of litigation, mediation and follow-up, or raising awareness of the procedures to be followed concerning these violations. Further, the Complaints Unit is provided with personnel specialized in field monitoring to enhance fact-finding and information gathering ability. The hotline service is provided to receive and handle complaints and urgent appeals according to pre-determined guidelines. The service of receiving complaints is available via e-mail and NIHR website. Complaints and outcomes are maintained and archived in databases in a systematic manner. Finally, memoranda of understanding were signed with the relevant authorities to identify the best practices for resolving complaints within the shortest period of time. 17. The second theme aims to strengthen efforts in the field of legislative review and development, according to the Royal Decree Establishing the Institution. NIHR is committed to the duty of reviewing human rights legislation and proposing alternatives, particularly with regard to the extent of national legislation alignment with Bahrain international commitments. For this purpose, NIHR Secretariat created a technical legal unit which is specialized in reviewing legislation, and proposing the necessary legislative amendments. A part-time advisory group comprised of legal specialists in legislation fields will be formed to use their expertise in preparing draft laws and proposals for amendments to the laws, drafting the necessary explanatory memorandum of these proposals, enhancing the relationship and establishing institutional cooperation with the legislative authority, including the House of Representatives and the Shura Council, in the areas relevant to the functions of the National Institution, creating communication mechanisms with the relevant committees and departments in both councils, strengthening the relationship and cooperation between the relevant ministries concerned with legislation and human rights and the executive authority, especially the Ministry of Justice; Islamic Affairs and Endowments; the Ministry of Education; the Ministry of Labour; the Ministry of Human Rights Affairs; the Ministry of Health; and the Ministry of the Interior, 33