CHAPTER 1 The Merida Declaration6 outlines some of the roles that NHRIs can undertake: i) Advise national and local governments, rights-holders and other actors, to promote a human rights-based approach to implementation and measurement of the SDGs, including by assessing the impact of laws, policies, programmes, national development plans, administrative practices and budgets on the realisation of all human rights for all. ii) Develop and strengthen partnerships for implementation by promoting transparent and inclusive processes for participation and consultation with rights-holders and civil society at all stages of the implementation of the SDGs. iii) Engage with all stakeholder to raise awareness and build trust and promote dialogue and concerted efforts for a human rights-based approach to implementation and monitoring of the SDGs. During the year, the Commission actively engaged and attended SDGs event organised by the Economic Planning Unit (EPU). The Commission commended the initiative of the Government to establish a Steering Committee on SDGs which would be chaired by the Director General of EPU and its membership would comprises of multi-stakeholders including Government agencies and CSOs. The Commission is looking forward to working together with the Steering Committee and would like to be part of the Committee to share it views and expertise on this matter. 7. THE WAY FORWARD The Policy Division will continue to monitor the Government’s actions with regard to the Commission’s recommendations, and identify areas for further advocacy. In relation to this, the Policy Division will work closely with all the relevant stakeholders including business entities, CSOs and the media to promote and protect human rights in the country. 6 Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), “12th International Conference” <http://nhri.ohchr.org/EN/ICC/ InternationalConference/12IC/Background%20Information/Merida%20Declaration%20FINAL.pdf> 30 SUHAKAM ANNUAL REPORT 2016 suhakam 2new.indd 30 3/23/17 5:54 PM