A/HRC/10/53 page 15 56. The NHRC enhanced its profile and public information work in 2008. It increased monitoring and investigation activities and organized events on child rights and violence against women. A gender focal point was established within its structure. However, in its annual report, as in meetings with the Government, NHRC regretted that no steps had been taken to implement its recommendations. 57. In November, the Sub-Committee on Accreditation of the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights confirmed the A-status accreditation for NHRC but made observations on several matters reviewable after one year, including procedures for funding, selection and appointment of the commissioners, development of NHRC legislation that is in full compliance with the Paris Principles, and interaction with other human rights institutions and civil society organizations. 2. Civil society 58. In 2008, a total of 2,158 civil society and youth representatives participated in 60 activities organized by OHCHR Nepal in the five regions to strengthen national capacity to protect and promote human rights. These civil society members included men and women human rights defenders, youth and student leaders, representatives of indigenous peoples, Dalits, journalists and academics. OHCHR Nepal activities focused on issues critical to advancing human rights aspects of the peace process, including in the areas of rule of law, transitional justice and addressing impunity, as well as monitoring of the Assembly election and participation of civil society in the Constitution-making process. 59. Training was provided on monitoring and investigation of human rights violations to, inter alia, human rights defenders from all districts of the central region. This was followed by specialized training, conducted with civil society representatives and security forces personnel, on the monitoring of public protests and the use of force. Other activities focused on the human rights-based approach to development, monitoring of economic, social and cultural rights through human rights indicators and human rights-sensitive journalism, including with regard to reporting on the Constituent Assembly. OHCHR Nepal also brought together youth associations, including those affiliated to political parties, to enhance their understanding of human rights, in particular democratic rights and mutual dialogue and interaction. OHCHR Nepal also conducted workshops on indigenous rights, representation and access to justice. 60. In order to enhance the impact of human rights defenders, OHCHR Nepal facilitated a network to combat caste-based discrimination in the Far Western region, a network to address human rights concerns in the central Terai and a network to monitor demonstrations in Kathmandu. OHCHR Nepal has also strengthened partnerships with leading human rights NGOs, including those engaged with transitional justice. 3. Constituent Assembly 61. The drafting of a new Constitution presents a unique opportunity to enshrine the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Nepalis within the national legislative framework. In 2008, OHCHR Nepal, together with other United Nations agencies, offered support to the Constituent Assembly related to protection of human rights through the Constitution and in promoting participatory constitutionalism. OHCHR Nepal is supporting a NGO Working Group