NEW INSTITUTIONS AND MECHANISMS 51. Since the last report, there have been some fundamental changes in the overall human rights framework. 52. A new Ministry, namely the Ministry of Justice, Human Rights and Institutional Reforms was created in September 2017 and has been, inter alia, entrusted with the mandate of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law. 53. In December 2017, a National Mechanism for Reporting and Follow-Up (NMRF) was set up under the said Ministry as per the recommendations of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The NMRF has become, inter-alia, the platform for consultations with Ministries, Departments, NGOs and civil society on a regular basis. The NMRF is chaired by the Hon Minister of Justice, Human Rights and Institutional Reforms. The NMRF aims to ensure that Human Rights obligations be it at the United Nations (UN) or African Union (AU) level are kept under review for proper follow up. Periodic reports and mid-term Review/Progress Reports are submitted in a timely manner after thorough consultations with all parties concerned. 54. The NMRF ensures a better coordination among Ministries in respect of the implementation of recommendations and decisions and enables a thorough monitoring of Human Rights obligations. In this respect, a fully manned Human Rights secretariat has been put in place at the level of the Ministry, to assist the NMRF. 55. The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has been established and is fully operational since April 2018. The IPCC investigates into complaints, other than acts of corruption or money laundering offences, made against police officers in the discharge of their functions. The IPCC is headed by a former Judge of the Supreme Court. 56. With the coming into operation of the IPCC, the Complaints Division of the National Human Rights Commission has now become defunct. All the pending cases were transferred to the IPCC. 57. Human Rights are promoted at the national level through the Ministry of Justice, Human Rights and Institutional Reforms, the NMRF, the National Human Rights Institutions and the National International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Committee. 58. Human Rights awareness workshops and activities is at Annex 1. 20