A/HRC/44/32 those at heightened risk of vulnerability or marginalization), (ii) the social, economic, structural and cultural issues that can affect the ability of the mechanism to meet those needs, and (iii) the manner in which different sources of discrimination can combine to exacerbate inequalities in society; (b) Relate to rights holders in a culturally appropriate and sensitive manner. Policy objective 8: Non-State-based grievance mechanisms are accessible. 8.1 The mechanism: (a) Works proactively to raise awareness among relevant rights holders and other stakeholders of its existence, objectives and processes, including through targeted outreach activities; (b) Is operated in a manner which is consistent with the rights of equality and nondiscrimination. 8.2 The mechanism’s criteria as regards eligibility to initiate grievance processes are clear, minimal, and consistently and fairly applied. 8.3 Procedures for receiving grievances and for engaging with relevant rights holders are designed, to the extent appropriate in light of the mechanism’s mandate and functions: (a) To be as user-friendly as possible, (i) making appropriate use of both formal and informal channels of communication, with multiple entry points and modes of communication, and (ii) making the necessary adjustments to address the barriers that may be faced by people due to gender-based discrimination, or because they may be at heightened risk of vulnerability or marginalization; (b) To promote dialogue-based methods for resolving grievances; (c) To allow sufficient time, in light of all the circumstances, for people to identify, raise and respond to issues; (d) To enable rights holders to represent themselves, if they prefer, while making appropriate provision for the possibility of representation by a third party. 8.4 The mechanism does not require any person to waive their rights to seek a remedy using an alternate grievance mechanism (whether State-based or non-State-based) as a condition of access or participation. 8.5 The mechanism makes appropriate provision for rights holders to collaborate and seek collective redress for business-related human rights harms. 8.6 The mechanism has put in place measures designed to allow safe access to and use of the mechanism on an equal basis with others, for instance by improving physical and communicational accessibility and by providing procedural, age-appropriate and gendersensitive accommodations to eliminate barriers to participation, including by persons with disabilities. 8.7 The mechanism does not charge a fee to access the mechanism and, furthermore, takes such steps to minimize the financial costs thereafter as may be appropriate in light of the mechanism’s mandate, objectives and operations. 8.8 Materials, resources and advisory services provided in order to enhance the accessibility of the grievance mechanism are made available: (a) In formats that meet the requirements, and are consistent with the rights, of (i) children, (ii) people facing challenges with respect to literacy, and (iii) persons with disabilities, including persons with hearing, sight or mobility impairments; (b) 12 In the languages of the people for whom they are intended.