A/HRC/33/58 under the National Register of Bilingual Indigenous Lawyers, between 1 January 2013 and 30 June 2016, 198 indigenous lawyers had been trained on a range of indigenous legal issues, such as land rights of indigenous peoples and communities. The purpose of that programme was to improve the availability of legal services that were relevant to the specific legal issues of indigenous peoples, as well as being sensitive to the cultural and linguistic needs of indigenous peoples. 99. Good practices highlighted by indigenous peoples included the joint ownership and management of lands in national parks and programmes to teach indigenous languages to civil servants. M. Use of the studies and advice of the Expert Mechanism 100. The questionnaire posed the following question: “Have the thematic studies and advice of the Expert Mechanism been used in the formulation of laws, policies and programmes pertaining to indigenous peoples’ rights?” 101. According to Australia, the thematic studies of the Expert Mechanism provided a background to support policy and programme development. They also provided an opportunity to learn from other States and to provide different perspectives. The studies had not yet been used directly in the formulation of laws, policies and programmes but rather the information was being used indirectly. 102. Mexico stated that the National Commission for the Development of Indigenous Peoples was guided by the studies and advice of the Expert Mechanism when carrying out its work and specific programmes. 103. Several indigenous peoples’ organizations reported that, to their knowledge, the studies and advice of the Expert Mechanism were not being used by States when formulating laws and policies concerning indigenous peoples. III. Concluding comments 104. The Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples very much appreciates the responses of States and of indigenous peoples and indigenous peoples’ organizations to its questionnaire, in particular first-time respondents. The responses received allow the Expert Mechanism to evaluate some of the advances and challenges in the implementation of the Declaration from the perspective of both States and indigenous peoples. However, the Expert Mechanism regrets the relatively low number of responses received and the fact that many States with indigenous peoples did not submit any information on their laws, policies and practices related to the implementation of the Declaration. 105. The majority of responses received from States provide very general information. While information was provided on laws, policies and programmes relating to indigenous peoples, there was almost no information indicating the effectiveness of the measures taken. Most States provided only positive answers to questions. Answers outlining challenges would also provide a greater understanding of the barriers faced by States when implementing the Declaration. 106. The responses received suggest that very few States have developed comprehensive national strategies to implement the Declaration. Given the interdependence and interrelated nature of the rights contained in the Declaration, its implementation requires comprehensive approaches and actions, as highlighted in the outcome document of the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples. 14