National Strategies — Human Rights Commissions, Ombudsmen, Specialized Agencies and National Action Plans

This is a background paper for the Human Development Report 2000, which theme was human rights and human development.

In a broad and complex perspective, State human rights strategies are crucial for the protection and promotion of human rights. As States work to become responsible members of the international community, the formation and implementation of these strategies are essential for the fulfillment of the obligation they assume to defend the human rights of those individuals residing within their borders. One main instrument utilized in the definition of these State strategies is the establishment of Human Rights Institutions on the national level.