Manual on Conducting a National Inquiry into Systemic Patterns of Human Rights Violation
10 Aug 2015This manual provides practical, step-by-step advice on establishing and conducting an effective national inquiry (updated 2019)
Conducting effective national inquiries
Graphic: Person giving evidence at a national inquiry in Malaysia
Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian LawNational inquiries are one of the most effective strategies available to national human rights institutions for investigating and drawing attention to pressing human rights issues.
They provide a powerful tool for investigating systemic discrimination and human rights violations, as well educating the broader community about the issues.
Inquiry recommendations seek to help governments uphold obligations under international human rights standards and create positive change.
The APF has worked with the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (RWI) to present a blended learning training program for our member institutions on running an effective national inquiry.
The program provides participants with a step-by-step understanding of the process to establish and conduct a national inquiry, including:
- Selecting the inquiry subject
- Setting the terms of reference
- Appointing the inquiry team
- Collecting evidence
- Holding public hearings
- Engaging the media
- Developing recommendations
- Writing the report
- Planning follow-up activities to promote inquiry findings and advocate for recommendations.
This video is part of a suite of audio-visual resources featuring interviews with representatives from our members, as well as leading experts in the field
PAST PROGRAMS
The APF has delivered:
- Workshop for the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, March 2017
- Workshop for the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission, January 2017
- Workshop for the Ombudsman of Samoa, July 2016
- Workshop for the National Human Rights Commission of Bangladesh, April 2014
- Workshop for the Indonesian National Commission on Human Rights, February 2014
- Workshop for the Philippines Commission on Human Rights, August 2013
- Blended learning course for South East Asian NHRIs, February-April 2013
- Workshop for the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives, October 2012
- Blended learning course for South Asian NHRIs, July-November 2011
- Workshop for the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia, March 2011
- Workshop for West Asian NHRIs, April 2010
- Workshop for the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia, December 2009
- Workshop for South East Asian NHRIs, June 2008
- Workshop for South Asian NHRIs, October 2007
Image credits
- Person giving evidence at a national inquiry in Malaysia - Human Rights Commission of Malaysia