A/HRC/10/53 page 14 51. Commitments made by the new Government included the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, a Commission to investigate disappearances, the formulation of a new public security policy, and the end of impunity. Considerable emphasis was also placed on poverty alleviation and the promotion of economic, social and cultural rights, in particular in the areas of education, health services and access to land. A commitment was also made to end the practice of “untouchability”, and to adopt measures to end all forms of discrimination against women. OHCHR Nepal also welcomes the 85 per cent increase in NHRC funding in the 2008-2009 budget. 3. Constitution-making process 52. The Assembly, which also functions as the Legislature-Parliament during the transitional period, has focused almost exclusively on the Constitution-drafting process, albeit at a slow pace. The rules of procedure of the Assembly were adopted in November after almost six months of deliberations. The rules outline the formation of a 61-member Constitutional Committee which has the core responsibility of preparing a draft Constitution and the challenge of enabling its completion by the May 2010 deadline stipulated in the Interim Constitution. On 16 November, the Assembly adopted a detailed timetable outlining the stages of the drafting process. E. Strengthening national capacity to protect and promote human rights 53. A crucial element to improving respect for human rights in Nepal is the development and strengthening of a comprehensive national human rights protection system. In addition to State protection mechanisms, including a Constitution guaranteeing human rights and fundamental freedoms, an independent judiciary and a parliamentary human rights committee, this system should rely on an independent, credible and effective National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) as well as other institutions established with a human rights mandate, such as the National Women’s Commission, the National Dalit Commission and the National Foundation for Development of Indigenous Nationalities. A vibrant civil society, including human rights defenders and media, which can operate without fear and intimidation, are also key to the protection and promotion of human rights. 54. In 2008, to advance its objective of strengthening national capacity through advice and recommendations based on its monitoring and legal work, OHCHR Nepal undertook numerous training initiatives, workshops and briefings on specialized issues and provided on-the-job mentoring. The NHRC, civil society and law enforcement agencies were OHCHR Nepal’s principal partners. 1. National Human Rights Commission 55. OHCHR Nepal collaborated with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) at the national and regional levels on joint capacity-building activities, and provided support on the conduct of investigations into allegations of human rights violations. Guidelines defining new forms of cooperation between the two organizations are being finalized, as is the next phase of a donor-funded project on capacity development of the NHRC. OHCHR Nepal provided financial support in 2008 to enable participation of Commissioners and staff in various international courses and conferences, and provided training to NHRC staff on indicators to monitor the implementation of economic, social and cultural rights.