parties should consider establishing separate local structures for this purpose based on the principles of equality and non-discrimination. 46. States parties must take special steps to encourage participation by all peoples, including indigenous populations/communities, in the democratic process of national governance. This may include governance schemes that provide more power and authority to regional and local authorities and/or proportional representation systems. 47. The right to self-determination in Africa does not include a right to secession. Active steps towards the promotion and protection of minority rights and inter-ethnic tolerance are essential towards the prevention of secessionist movements in Africa. Engaging with and Respecting the Rights of Civil Society 48. Civil society has a key role to play in the implementation of economic, social and cultural rights in Africa. To this end states should actively engage with civil society in the realisation of these rights. States should also respect and protect the rights of civil society actors and human rights defenders. In turn, civil society organisations should prioritize the monitoring and enforcement of economic, social and cultural rights in their advocacy work. National Human Rights Institutions 49. Recognising that National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) play a significant role in the promotion and protection of economic, social and cultural rights, states should establish effective NHRIs which meet the standards set by the Paris Principles Relating to the Status of National Institutions. In addition to active promotion and enforcement of economic, social and cultural rights, NHRIs should be involved in the development and monitoring of implementation policies, including the setting of national benchmarks and indicators. State Party Reporting 50. State Parties to the African Charter have undertaken to file periodic reports to the African Commission on the steps taken to realise all the rights protected in the Charter, including economic, social and cultural rights. The Commission urges State Parties, by utilising both these Principles and Guidelines and the guidelines on State party reporting, to periodically report on steps taken to realise all the economic, social and cultural rights (explicitly and implicitly) guaranteed under the Charter and included in these principles and guidelines. 18