NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS AS A HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION MECHANISM: THE CASES OF THE OMBUDSMAN AND HUMAN RIGHTS AND EQUALITY INSTITUTION OF TURKEY and it is not allowed to conduct on-site inspections? (ECRI GPT2, para. 21) - Does the equality institution perform its operations based on the relevant international or national legal framework, standards, and case-law and are its reports and recommendations are based on expertise and evidence built upon the use of research, investigation, documentation, and impartial and independent information? (ECRI GPT2, para. 31) - Does the equality institution have easily accessible premises, online, email and telephone services, and flexibility in meeting the time constraints of those seeking access to the services of the institution? (ECRI GPT2, para. 40(a)) - Does the equality institution have local outreach programs and local and regional offices? (ECRI GPT2, para. 40(b)) - Does the equality institution meet groups experiencing discrimination and intolerance at key moments and build sustained links with them? (ECRI GPT2, para. 40(c)) - Does the equality institution offer the possibility for people exposed to discrimination or intolerance to contact and engage with the equality institution in a confidential way and in a language in which they are proficient, to have face-toface contact, and to submit complaints orally, online or in written form, with a minimum of admissibility conditions? (ECRI GPT2, para. 40(d)) - Is confidentiality offered also to witnesses and whistleblowers? (Recommendation of the European Commission, para. 1.2.3(3)) - Are the premises, services and practices of the equality institution adjusted to take account of all forms of disability? (ECRI GPT2, para. 40(e)) - Does the equality institution use easy-to-read language in publications, in particular those providing information on rights and remedies, and translate them into all languages commonly used in the country? (ECRI GPT2, para. 40(f)) - Are the functions and services of the equality institution free of charge to complainants and respondents? (ECRI GPT2, para. 40(g)) - Are the regulations of the equality institution publicized for accessibility and availability? (ECRI GPT2, para. 40(h)) - Is regular and effective coordination ensured between the equality institution and other institutions assigned for the same issue? (Recommendation of the European Commission, para. 1.3(1)) - Can the equality institution set its own priorities and does it concentrate to a disproportionate extent on some tasks to the detriment of other tasks? (Recommendation of the European Commission, para. 1.3(1)) D- Quasi-Jurisdictional Competence Section four of the Paris Principles titled "Additional Principles Concerning the Status of Commissions With Quasi-Jurisdictional Competence" prescribes quasi-jurisdictional competence in a "selective" way.18 It is possible to authorize national institutions to review and decide on complaints. Cases may be brought before it by individuals, their 18 Anna-Elina Pohjolainen, The Evolution of National Human Rights Institutions: The Role of the United Nations, The Danish Institute for Human Rights, 2006, p. 7, https://www.humanrights.dk/sites/humanrights.dk/files/media/migrated/evolution_of_nhris. pdf (accessed: July 31, 2020) 15