Monitoring and Advocacy Skills related to the Effective Implementation of Anti- Discrimination Legislation

MONITORING What is Monitoring? –The ongoing and systematic collection of data in a country or region on a given topic Why Monitor? –To identify trends and patterns –To raise public awareness –To secure compensation/justice for victims –To inform further actions, ie. advocacy initiatives

Guiding Principles Accuracy Credibility Reliability WHO did WHAT to WHOM? WHERE, WHY, WHEN and HOW?

Sources of Information Primary - Interviews with victims of discrimination, witnesses, alleged perpetrators, police, other officials, etc Secondary - Official reports, ie. police reports, medical certificates, government reports, internal company documents, etc Tertiary - Television, newspaper, magazine reports, Internet, NGO reports, etc

Interviewing Introduce yourself and state very clearly for what you intend to use the information Explain any possible consequences Provide a business card or literature from your organisation Avoid leading questions Ask questions afterwards to flesh out holes in the story or address inconsistencies

Reporting Present a clear and concise message - Stick to the facts Include any statistical data available or applicable domestic and international law Consider –Who is your target audience? –What do you hope to achieve with your report?

ADVOCACY What is Advocacy? –A well-planned campaign to effect change Why Advocate? –To ensure the effective implementation of strong legislation –To ensure the adoption of good policies by governments –To influence/raise public awareness

Possible Advocacy Activities Working with the Media Letter writing/Petitioning Demonstrating Lobbying appropriate governmental actors Communicating with International Bodies

Regardless of the Activity Be clear about your message –What is the issue? Don’t dilute your message. –What do you aim to achieve? Be ready with any supporting material Consider possible arguments against your issue Choose the appropriate person/body to address Consider the timing of your advocacy effort

FOLLOW-UP Maintain contact –with thank-you notes, promised materials, photo’s, etc. –inform your clients of your actions and their effects –to monitor for possible victimisation of your clients and decide on further courses of action