98 Protocols and the rights of indigenous women; They should be able to contextualize the experience of Indigenous Peoples, their exclusion from the mainstream society as products of colonialism, and their continued struggle for their ancestral domain. 2. Investigators and lawyers shall examine their personal biases, beliefs and prejudice against indigenous people, taking into account the manner by which these may adversely affect the conduct of human rights investigation; 3. Investigators and lawyers shall observe respect for indigenous people’s identities, their ways of life and their right to lands, territories and natural resources. Investigator and lawyers shall bear in mind that “indigenous peoples are the holders of unique languages, knowledge systems and beliefs and possess invaluable knowledge of practices for the sustainable management of natural resources. They hold their own diverse concepts of development, based on their traditional values, visions, needs and priorities which often differ from mainstream society.153” 4. Investigators and lawyers should understand the need to accord access for indigenous peoples, indigenous women to justice, by ensuring the availability of culturally sensitive services, the availability of capable translators and persons knowledgeable of indigenous culture. 5. In all decision making processes with respect the case – investigation and the provision legal aid and support services - the decision of the indigenous woman shall be taken into consideration. 6. The following principles and protocols154 in dealing with indigenous peoples shall also be observed: • Relationships with Indigenous communities 153 Id 154 Protocols for Staff Working with Indigenous People (2008) New South Wales http://www.records.nsw.gov.au/ should be based on mutual respect and understanding; • Services and procedures should be developed/modified with an understanding of Indigenous People and their issues and provided in a culturally appropriate manner; • Indigenous people, specially indigenous women should feel welcomed and supported when approaching the Commission for the filing of complaint or in seeking legal assistance; • Moro Women The handling of cases involving moro women should also follow the general procedures in investigation and interview, as well as in the provision of other assistance, as mentioned above. Providers of protection and promotion services, however, should take note that there different tribes or groups within the moro community, thus, the diversity of cultures and languages. Investigators and lawyers, in cases of Indigenous Women, should always be gender and culturally sensitive. Due consideration shall be given to the religious feelings, traumatic experience, competence and ethnic origin of the victim-survivors. Accessibility and sensitivity should be ensured providing duly trained investigators and lawyers, the provision of available translators, and cultural or religious experts to contextualize the experiences of moro women who complain of human rights violations or acts of discrimination. • Women with Disabilities Women with disabilities are amongst the most marginalised and disadvantaged people in the world155. The intersection of gender inequality and disability presents a situation of multiple levels of discrimination156. 155 http://www.wdv.org.au/publications.htm 156 Following guidelines taken from: Odette, F. and Rajan, D. (November 2013). Violence Against Women with DisAbilities and Deaf Women: An Overview. 1Learning Network Brief (12). London, Ontario: Learning Network, Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children. http://www. vawlearningnetwork.ca/violence-agasint-women-disabilitiesdeaf-women CHR Gender Ombud Guidelines