A/HRC/22/47 G. Capacity strengthening for human rights defenders 109. The Special Rapporteur has argued on previous occasions (A/HRC/13/22, paras. 67 and 68) that one of the most important efforts to protect human rights defenders is measures taken by defenders themselves. This includes individual security measures related to their work and personal life, as well as organizing themselves in networks with other defenders. 110. Several national human rights institutions reported that they are engaged in activities aimed at strengthening the capacity of human rights defenders to protect themselves and otherwise make their work more effective. In Mexico, both the National Human Rights Commission and the Human Rights Commission of the Federal District (Mexico City) have developed publications which provide guidelines on protection of human rights defenders. 111. In other countries, national institutions are working directly with defenders by providing them with technical assistance. The Uganda Human Rights Commission has contributed to strengthening the advocacy skills of defenders, and through strategic partnerships the institution has secured the participation of defenders and their organizations at events and training sessions organized by the commission. The Uganda Human Rights Commission also participates in events organized by civil society to strengthen links with defenders. The National Human Rights Commission in Togo is also engaged in activities organized by NGOs, and the institution has NGOs participate in its own activities. 112. The Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission has included the strengthening of civil society in its strategic plan. It has identified the capacity of civil society to advocate for increased protection of human rights as one of the key elements of its interventions in this area and is working actively with NGOs to this end. 113. Similarly, the Protector of Citizens in Serbia noted that the institution has a longstanding tradition of working closely with human rights defenders in advocating for legislative changes, organizing campaigns and conferences, and conducting investigations. The Protector of Citizens has established permanent advisory councils on several thematic issues comprised of human rights defenders, among others. 114. The Special Rapporteur notes that defenders working in rural areas are marginalized, with few means to protect themselves in cases of violation. Certain national institutions work to increase awareness of human rights in rural areas, which contributes to a more conducive environment for defenders. This is for example the case with the New Zealand Human Rights Commission, which has a project designed to build human rights knowledge and expertise in regional communities and works in partnership with organizations from marginalized groups to promote awareness of the rights of such groups. V. Conclusions and recommendations A. Conclusions 115. As independent public bodies, national human rights institutions are in a unique position to hold Governments accountable to their human rights obligations and international standards and principles in this regard, thereby becoming a vital actor in the fight against impunity for human rights violations. 116. As established by the Paris Principles, national human rights institutions should have broad and solid mandates and be properly equipped to be able to operate independently. Credible national institutions are autonomous from the influence of Government and ensure pluralism in their composition and activities, particularly 19