• Identifying local influencers (leaders, doctors, teachers etc.) and involving them in the activity so that they can be part of the process; o consult them on the planning stage o invite them to contribute to reaching the outcomes of the activity o invite them to participate/host or support the activity • Give participants a safe space to have their voice • Acknowledge the importance of the activity with a formal open or closing or acknowledgement of space or land • Avoid using ‘loaded terms’ or names that have a significant negative meaning • Do some research to better understand: o history o current political climate o their context. • Meet them in their space, in their terms while building relationships • Ensure equal participation by diversifying your tools and methods. For example, having multiple ways of presenting ideas, videos, infographics, readings, provide materials in different formats i.e. visually impaired Planning your human rights activity Planning for your activity, although time intensive, is crucial to achieving your outcomes and supporting you in your facilitation practice. By investing in planning, you are better prepared when unexpected challenges arise and are better positioned to apply the guiding principles above. In planning a human rights activity, you might consider; • Seek cooperation where you can for example non-government organisations – who has the subject matter expertise that can support you? Generally, NHRIs have limited resources, so partnerships where possible can help to fill resource gaps. • Involve your stakeholders in the activity, what are their expectations? What are their needs? What do they think of the outcomes you have proposed? • Be flexible and always have an alternative plan. Invest time to plan what you are intending to do and what to avoid. Prepare additional questions, activities and materials to generate discussion if required. Remember the scope and outcomes. If the discussions go off topic, use tools like a Parking Space to bring the discussion back to focus. You might be restricted on time, so be sure that your outcomes are realistic for the time allocated. • Working with Duty Bearers In working with duty bearers facilitating a human rights activity, you might consider; • • • Duty bearers may not be fully aware of their obligations Use your NHRI mandate to work with duty bearers – it can be quite powerful Involve duty bearers on seeking their own outcomes – ask them what their issues and expectations are 6