National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) generally refer to bodies established by governments to aid in the promotion and protection of human rights within their respective jurisdictions through, for example, handling complaints, conducting research, advocacy and educational programmes. In some countries, the Constitution has provided for the establishment of a NHRI and in other cases, such institutions are created by legislation or decree. The common guiding principle of National Human Rights Institutions is that they are founded on the Paris Principles.