Recalling that an effective strategy against racism, xenophobia, antisemitism and intolerance resides to a large extent on awareness-raising, information and education of the public as well as on the protection and promotion of the rights of individuals belonging to minority groups; Convinced that specialised bodies to combat racism, xenophobia, antisemitism and intolerance at national level can make a concrete contribution in a variety of ways to strengthening the effectiveness of the range of measures taken in this field and to providing advice and information to national authorities; Welcoming the fact that such specialised bodies have already been set up and are functioning in several member States; Recognising that the form such bodies might take may vary according to the circumstances of member States and may form part of a body with wider objectives in the field of human rights generally; Recognising also the need for governments themselves to provide information and to be accessible to specialised bodies and to consult them on matters relevant to their functions; 1. to consider carefully the possibility of setting up a specialised body to combat racism, xenophobia, antisemitism and intolerance at national level, if such a body does not already exist; 2. in examining this question, to make use of the basic principles set out as an appendix to this recommendation as guidelines and a source of inspiration presenting a number of options for discussion at national level. PART IV recommends to the governments of member States: Appendix to ECRI general policy recommendation N° 2 Basic principles concerning specialised bodies to combat racism, xenophobia, antisemitism and intolerance at national level Chapter A: The statutes establishing specialised bodies Principle 1 Terms of reference 1. Specialised bodies should be given terms of reference which are clearly set out in a constitutional or other legislative text. 2. The terms of reference of specialised bodies should determine their composition, areas of competence, statutory powers, accountability and funding. Chapter B: Alternative forms of specialised bodies Principle 2 1. According to the legal and administrative traditions of the countries in which they are set up, specialised bodies may take different forms. 2. The role and functions set out in the above principles should be fulfilled by bodies which may take the form of, for example, national commissions for racial equality, ombudsmen against ethnic discrimination, Centres/Offices for combating racism and promoting equal opportunities, or other forms, including bodies with wider objectives in the field of human rights generally. 81