3. The territorial delegations also play an important role as a contact point between the Secretariat, the population and public entities at the local and regional level. 4. The territorial delegation shall be headed up by a director who for all legal purposes enjoys the status of a District Director. Article 16 Opening of territorial delegations 1. The Secretariat shall phase in the territorial delegations according to the decentralization strategy of its services approved by the Secretary. 2. The Secretary for Human Rights and Justice shall determine in writing the opening of territorial delegations and the related staff of officials. SECTION IV COLLEGIATE BODIES Article 17 Advisory Council 1. The Advisory Council of the Secretariat for Human Rights and Justice, abbreviated to Advisory Council, is the collegiate advisory body whose mission is to periodically take account the Secretariat’s activities through the full participation of civil society. 2. It is the duty of the Advisory Council to voice its opinion on: a. Work plans and programs; b. The Secretariat’s activities, evaluating the results achieved and proposing alternative work measures designed to improve services; c. Legislative statutes and public policies of interest to the Secretariat; d. All other matters submitted to it. 3. The Advisory Council has the following composition: a. The Secretary for Human Rights and Justice who shall chair it;