PREFACE discourse about development, peace and conflict resolution. The rhetoric needs to be matched by working mechanisms, thus, developments such as the operationalisation of the International Criminal Court are welcome. The human rights community has not only increased in size but also a variety of organisations and networks have emerged which specialise in particular issues. In this setting, the role of non-governmental organisations is as crucial as before. There is no denying that the NGOs are the most direct and trusted contacts of victims of violations or their families. It is our hope that this HURIDOCS tool becomes a potent weapon for NGOs in their work. With its members working in unison, I believe that the international human rights community can make a difference in the lives of a great part of the world' s population. v