NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS AS A HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION MECHANISM: THE CASES OF THE OMBUDSMAN AND HUMAN RIGHTS AND EQUALITY INSTITUTION OF TURKEY I. INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS FOR EQUALITY INSTITUTIONS A- Competence and Responsibilities The first section of the Paris Principles titled "Competence and Responsibilities" touches upon the competence and responsibilities of national institutions. In this context, it is possible to create these indicators by considering the Paris Principles, ECRI GPT2 and the Recommendation of the European Commission. - Are the composition and sphere of competence of the equality institution clearly set forth in the constitution or laws? (Paris Principles) - Is the equality institution given as broad a mandate as possible? (Paris Principles) - Is the equality institution authorized to submit to the government, legislative body and any other competent body, on an advisory basis either at the request of the authorities concerned or through the exercise of its power opinions, recommendations, proposals and reports on any matters concerning the promotion and protection of human rights and to publicize them if deemed necessary? (These authorities may include: Any legislative or administrative provisions, as well as provisions relating to judicial organizations, intended to prevent and eliminate discrimination; any situation of violation of non-discrimination which it decides to take up; the preparation of reports on the national situation with regard to non-discrimination in general, or on more specific matters; drawing the attention of the government to situations in any part of the country where non-discrimination is violated and making proposals to it for initiatives to put an end to such situations and, where necessary, expressing an opinion on the positions and reactions of the government.) (Paris Principles) - Is the equality institution authorized to promote and ensure the harmonization of national legislation, regulations and practices with the international human rights instruments to which the state is a party, and their effective implementation? (Paris Principles) - Is the equality institution authorized to ensure that the state becomes a party to international human rights conventions and ensure the implementation thereof? (Paris Principles) - Is the equality institution authorized to contribute to the reports which the state is required to submit to UN bodies or regional intergovernmental organizations pursuant to their obligations arising out of human rights treaties and, where necessary, to express an opinion on the subject, with due respect for its independence? (Paris Principles) - Is the equality institution authorized to cooperate with the UN and any other organization in the UN system, the regional institutions and the national institutions of other countries that are competent in the areas of the prevention and elimination of discrimination? (Paris Principles) - Is the equality institution authorized to assist in the formulation of programmes 10