A/HRC/41/40 existence of independent national human rights institutions in compliance with the Paris Principles.13 40. In conflict situations, NHRIs have advocated for and monitored compliance with international humanitarian law, an activity vital to mitigate the impacts of conflict on civilians. NHRIs are increasingly incorporating international humanitarian law monitoring into their work. In conflict situations, civilian victims of violence and subsequent internal displacement often belong to national, ethnic or religious minorities. Institutions must be sensitive to such ethnic or religious dimensions of conflict and humanitarian crisis and possible internal displacement situations and respond accordingly, including by exercising their preventive and early warning capacities and identifying at-risk communities early. Their work to promote minority rights, ensure equality and non-discrimination and promote dialogue between and with conflicting parties and majority populations are vital conflictand displacement-prevention measures as well as peacebuilding measures. 41. National human rights institutions have played leadership roles in the prevention of arbitrary displacement caused by factors such as development projects, business activities or forced evictions that are not regulated or conducted according to national law and international standards. The Guiding Principles prohibit displacement in cases of largescale development projects not justified by compelling and overriding public interests. Numerous cases globally demonstrate that millions are displaced by projects that do not meet this standard; indigenous peoples or minorities are often affected. National human rights institutions, including those in Kazakhstan, Kenya, the United Republic of Tanzania and Zimbabwe, discussed the displacement impact of forced evictions, noting the institutions’ role in prevention by drawing attention to the human rights implications and making preventive legal interventions on behalf of affected communities. 42. Early warning is essential to enable all actors to take preventive action or respond quickly and effectively to crises and displacement events. In countries with a high risk or history of conflict, violence or disasters leading to displacement, NHRIs have established or contributed to early warning initiatives, including locating monitors at high-risk locations; maintaining regular contact with at-risk communities; contributing to inter-agency risk analysis efforts to identify early on evolving conditions or societal and political developments that could lead to violence or conflict; and engaging proactively with government bodies, including those responsible for disaster response, so that they are fully aware of potential displacement events. 43. In Colombia, early warning in the context of risks of violence and internal displacement is a core function of the national human rights institution, the Ombudsman’s Office of Colombia. About 250 “community defenders” are present in all 36 regions. They collect information relating to risks of displacement facing individuals and communities, allowing for contextual analysis and early-warning reports for relevant government bodies, which must act swiftly to employ protection measures. Early warning mechanisms supported by or within NHRIs are operational in such countries as Afghanistan, Kenya, Nepal and the Philippines. National human rights institutions suggested undertaking a comparative study to identify and share positive practices. 44. The institutions highlighted that funding must be more flexible to allow innovative prevention projects. For example, statistical and research developments have improved the ability to predict or forecast possible displacement events perhaps related to seasonal weather or disaster events, or even ethnic or political violence. Moves towards forecastbased financing have consequently been encouraged. 13 10 GANHRI, National Human Rights Institutions Engaging with the Sustainable Development Goals (2017).