A/HRC/41/40 and function in the fundamental role of safeguarding people from violations by any party. They may need to play a role that is highly critical of Government and national policy, for example where the Government may be, or perceived to be, responsible for internal displacement. NHRIs emphasized that the political will of Government to address internal displacement is paramount but often lacking, and efforts by national and international partners are essential to enhancing political will. 35. The Guiding Principles recognize that internal displacement may be a deliberate violation of human rights law and/or humanitarian law and an act of discrimination and violence perpetrated against part of the population by another group or by the Government. The prohibition of arbitrary displacement includes displacement based on policies of apartheid, ethnic cleansing or similar practices aimed at or resulting in altering the ethnic, religious or racial composition of the affected population, and displacement used as a collective punishment. Some Governments fail to recognize internal displacement or the human rights issues causing or associated with it. In such cases, NHRIs conduct their activities under conditions of extreme political difficulty and opposition; nevertheless, their ability to function freely must be protected. 36. While it is essential to acknowledge the challenges, constraints and competing priorities experienced by NHRIs, their unique position as respected human rights actors in relation to Government, civil society and national and international partners, and displacement-affected communities provides valuable opportunities, even in challenging environments. The following discussion highlights ways that NHRIs prevent conditions leading to internal displacement and work to respond to human rights challenges and support solutions for IDPs. C. Role of national human rights institutions in prevention, preparedness and early warning 37. The role of NHRIs in preventing internal displacement and preparedness is significant. Their core work of promoting and protecting all human rights is an important element of peace and stability and the prevention of conflict, a main driver of internal displacement. NHRIs highlighted the need to put specific systems for prevention and preparedness in place long before displacement occurs and that legislation and policy are most effective if adopted in peacetime, well before displacement occurs. Recognizing that displacement can happen multiple times, NHRIs emphasized that preventing it, and the associated human rights violations, must be a continuous effort to ensure that, should displacement occur, those affected do not face secondary displacement or ongoing or recurring human rights issues. 38. National human rights institutions take important measures to overcome the consequences of conflict in society, address past human rights violations and contribute to the fight against impunity. They frequently promote or lead transitional justice processes; support processes that ensure accountability; facilitate access to justice, including through investigations and reparations; and contribute to peacebuilding processes, reconciliation and strengthening of social cohesion. In her report to the General Assembly on inclusion of IDPs in transitional justice processes (A/73/173), the Special Rapporteur highlighted the role of human rights actors, including NHRIs, in ensuring that IDPs are included in such processes as a key component of prevention initiatives. This has been a focus of the NHRIs in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Colombia, for example. 39. Goal 16 of the Sustainable Development Goals calls for the promotion of just, peaceful and inclusive societies and acknowledges the importance of strong and accountable institutions, good governance, participation, access to justice and information and fundamental freedoms. It prominently recognizes civil and political rights as crucial elements of peace and sustainable development, and offers significant transformative potential to improve human rights through institutional, justice and security reform. GANHRI has highlighted the importance of NHRIs as guarantors of and catalysts for sustainable development, and indeed one of the global indicators for the goal is the 9