In Highlight: NHRI Accreditation Database

The NHRI Accreditation Database is a valuable new resource for GANHRI members, newly-established NHRIs and States committed to establishing and strengthening NHRIs. It is specifically designed to assist NHRIs monitor their compliance with the Paris Principles by consolidated recommendations made by the GANHRI Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA), which is responsible for reviewing and accredited NHRIs.

Specifically, the NHRI Accreditation Database features recommendations made by the SCA since 2017, which aim to support NHRIs deepen their compliance with the Paris Principles. This makes the database highly relevant for new NHRIs seeking accreditation or existing GANHRI members seeking re-accreditation. Additionally, it provides insight into the SCA's current practices, which enhances transparency, objectivity, and credibility in the accreditation process.

Users can search by various criteria, including country, region and more, that give them highly-tailored results. The database is also regularly updated with new SCA reports, ensuring users have the latest information. Importantly, it is publicly accessible, promoting transparency and providing clear guidance for NHRIs and other stakeholders on the accreditation process.

For instance, a GANHRI member applying for re-accreditation can search the database for recommendations made to other NHRIs, with similar mandates and of a similar size, operating in the same region. They might identify specific areas needing improvement, such as enhancing their quasi-judicial competence or increasing their institutional independence. Based on these insights, the NHRI can develop an action plan focusing on legislative reforms, capacity building, and resource allocation. Over time, they can use the database to track similar cases and compare their progress, ensuring they align with international human rights standards and obligations.

GANHRI members can use the database to understand the criteria and recommendations for strengthening their compliance with the Paris Principles. Newly-established NHRIs can use the database to understand the requirements for successful accreditation. States committed to establishing or strengthening NHRIs can use the database to guide their efforts. Additionally, human rights researchers and advocates can use it to understand the accreditation process and the standards applied to NHRIs globally.

There are some exciting developments on the horizon. After its launch in English in April, the database will be expanded to include the other GANHRI languages - French, Spanish and Arabic - making it more accessible to a broader range of users. It will also be regularly updated with new SCA reports, ensuring it remains current.

In addition, ongoing consultations and feedback from stakeholders will help guide enhancements to the database functionality and user-friendliness, as well as the addition of new search criteria or features. These developments underscore our commitment to making the database a dynamic and valuable resource for NHRIs and other stakeholders.

Established in 1993, GANHRI is a worldwide, membership-based network of national human rights institutions (NHRIs). NHRIs are independent bodies, established by States through legislation or under the Constitution, for the specific purpose of advancing and defending human rights at the national level. To be effective in their work to promote and protect human rights, NHRIs must be credible and independent. The Paris Principles, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1993, set out internationally-agreed minimum standards that NHRIs must meet to be considered independent. A core function of GANHRI is to promote the establishment and strengthening of NHRIs in conformity with the Paris Principles. We also use compliance with the Paris Principles as the criteria for reviewing and accrediting NHRIs.