A/HRC/45/42 Agency and organized, in November 2019, a training workshop in Geneva, where representatives from these entities discussed how to operationalize the principles and practices of a human rights-based approach to data and indicators. This resulted in the development, by the two entities, of a memorandum of understanding, signed on 17 January 2020. 52. During the period under review, OHCHR continued to cooperate with the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Russian Federation on human rights education. In October 2019, OHCHR organized a workshop for over 30 representatives of the Commissioner’s regional offices on the linkage between human rights indicators and the 2030 Agenda. Also in October 2019, OHCHR, the Commissioner and the Consortium of Russian Universities co-organized the annual module of regular lectures, delivered by the Commissioner, on national protection mechanisms and the human rights situation in the country. In December 2019, OHCHR and the Commissioner organized a special event to commemorate Human Rights Day, including a discussion among students and young human rights activists on a wide range of human rights issues. 53. In September 2019, OHCHR, in cooperation with UNDP and the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions, carried out a capacity assessment of the Human Rights and Equality Institution of Turkey. In February 2020, OHCHR provided advice on a draft amendment to the enabling law on the institution. 54. OHCHR continued to strengthen the capacity of the Ombudsman of Kyrgyzstan, providing expertise and training on human rights issues and reporting. In April 2020, OHCHR provided personal protective equipment to the institution to protect its staff from COVID-19 in their daily work. 5. Middle East and North Africa 55. The OHCHR regional office for the Middle East and for North Africa, the United Nations Human Rights Training and Documentation Centre for South-West Asia and the Arab Region, the OHCHR offices in Tunisia and Yemen, as well as in the State of Palestine, the human rights adviser to the United Nations country team in Jordan, and the human rights components of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq and of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya continued to provide advice on and assistance in the establishment and/or strengthening of national human rights institutions. The activities described below were conducted. 56. Between August and December 2019, OHCHR conducted a series of workshops and capacity-building training sessions for the High Committee for Human Rights and Fundamental Liberties in Tunisia. These trainings included strategic planning in human rights governance and a human rights-based approach, aimed at promoting collaboration between the High Committee and other independent public bodies. OHCHR also continued to support the engagement of the Committee with United Nations human rights mechanisms and processes. 57. In November 2019, OHCHR, together with UNDP, organized a retreat for the National Human Rights Commission of Lebanon to strengthen its capacity as a national preventive mechanism under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. In January 2020, OHCHR and UNDP facilitated a consultation between the Commission and civil society organizations. In May 2020, OHCHR provided advice to the Commission to ensure that its enabling law provided for its budgetary and financial independence. 58. In October 2019, in Rabat, in partnership with the National Human Rights Council of Morocco and the Office of the Public Prosecutor, OHCHR organized a workshop on legislation to combat violence against women. Also in October 2019, OHCHR and the Council organized a workshop in Casablanca on legal safeguards to ensure women human rights defenders’ safety and protection. 59. In October 2019, in Muscat, OHCHR and the Oman Human Rights Commission coorganized a training workshop on the linkage between the Sustainable Development Goals and human rights. The workshop provided a platform to exchange knowledge and best 8