A/HRC/38/20 Policy objective 8: State based non-judicial mechanisms are predictable. 5 8.1 In addition to the steps described in paragraph 7.1 above, State-based non-judicial mechanisms work proactively to raise awareness among rights holders about the stages of relevant complaint handling and/or dispute resolution processes, including information about (a) any preliminary requirements that must be met; (b) what parties can expect at each stage, the time frames within which key decisions will be taken and milestones reached; (c) the rights of parties to withdraw from complaint handling and/or dispute resolution processes once commenced; (d) the legal consequences of remedial outcomes; (e) procedures for monitoring remedial outcomes of complaint handling and/or dispute resolution processes; and (f) the contents of any regulatory standards, codes of conduct or policies relating to any of the above. 8.2 To the extent relevant and appropriate in the light of their mandates and functions, permitted by applicable laws, standards and policies with respect to confidentiality and protection of whistle-blowers and individuals who may be at risk of threats, harassment or reprisals, and appropriate for the purposes of enhancing public understanding of complaint handling and/or dispute resolution processes and methodologies used in practice, Statebased non-judicial mechanisms publish readily understandable information relating to past cases and/or determinations, such as case histories and/or aggregated information relating to the types of claims, complaints or disputes referred, the types of remedial outcomes and the time taken to achieve them. Policy objective 9: State-based non-judicial mechanisms are equitable. 6 9.1 In addition to the steps described in paragraphs 7.1 and 8.1 above, State-based nonjudicial mechanisms work proactively to raise awareness among rights holders about sources of further information, advice and assistance available to enable them to participate fairly and effectively in the relevant processes. 9.2 State-based non-judicial mechanisms have adopted and implemented the procedures and practices necessary, in the light of their mandates and functions, to ensure that parties to a complaint and/or dispute receive (a) adequate and timely information concerning the arguments, allegations and evidence provided by the other party; (b) copies of or access to documentary or other evidence; (c) adequate opportunity to comment on each and all of the items mentioned in points (a) and (b) prior to any final decision or determination; (d) sufficiently detailed written reasons for decisions; and (e) readily understandable information concerning the steps to be taken, and the time limits that apply, should a party wish to seek review of or challenge a final decision or determination. 9.3 The procedural rules, policies and practices of State-based non-judicial mechanisms respect the rights of rights holders to withdraw from complaint handling and/or dispute resolution processes if they are dissatisfied with those processes and do not unfairly preclude access by rights holders to judicial recourse. 9.4 State-based non-judicial mechanisms have adopted and implemented policies, procedures and practices to ensure that its personnel disclose promptly any possible conflict of interest with respect to any complaint or dispute that they are asked to handle or resolve, and that following such a disclosure, the person concerned has no further involvement with the matter and is suitably replaced. Policy objective 10: State-based non-judicial mechanisms are transparent.7 10.1 In addition to the steps described in paragraphs 7.1, 8.1 and 9.1 above, State-based non-judicial mechanisms work proactively to raise awareness among rights holders with respect to (a) procedural rules, policies, codes of conduct or standards that will govern complaint handling and/or dispute resolution processes, including liaison with parties and/or any investigation or fact-finding activities; (b) the adherence of the mechanism to 5 6 7 14 Ibid., principle 31 (c) and commentary. Ibid., principle 31 (d) and commentary. Ibid., principle 31 (e) and commentary.