GANHRI Annual Meeting Approves Amendments to Alliance's Statute

GANHRI Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) taking place in Geneva, approved the proposed amendments to the Alliance's statute, with the aim of enhancing the accuracy and rigor of the accreditation process.

The Meeting decided that all national human rights institutions (NHRIs) accredited with (A Status) and (B Status) be subject to special review, or the suspension of the accreditation classification if their circumstances changed in ways that may affect their continued compliance with the Paris Principles, in addition to providing the Sub-committee on Accreditation with the ability to recommend the cancelation of NHRI's accreditation classification, where it is not possible to continue to consider them as institutions operating in accordance with the Paris Principles.

In her opening speech to the General Assembly, HE Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) and President of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah called on national institutions to enhance cooperation and solidarity to respond to the human rights challenges facing the world, adding that wars and conflicts do not end, and violence and discrimination continue.

Al Attiyah added during the GANHRI's Annual Meeting that despite the severity of these challenges, this is time for hope, as 2023 marks the 30th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly's adoption of the Paris Principles, establishing NHRIs' framework to remain independent and effective all around the world.

Al Attiyah continued that coinciding with this year as well is the 30th anniversary of the establishment of GANHRI, created with the mission of establishing, supporting, and strengthening NHRIs, making their voice be heard worldwide.

Adding that Proof of GANHRI's impressive success, is the fact that it started off with 12 members in 1993, only to include 120 NHRIs members today.

Al Attiyah stressed that there were in the past 30 years countless examples of NHRIs' strong impact on promoting justice and accountability, redressing victims of human rights violations, in addition to their significant contributions to law, policies, and practices that support human rights.

She pointed out the need for national institutions to draw inspiration from the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which laid down a common framework in all regions.

Al Attiyah said that one of the issues mentioned in GANHRI's five-year strategic plan is the exchange of knowledge on ways to prevent torture and ill-treatment in places of detention.

In addition, the GANHRI Annual Meeting included listening to reports from the four regional networks of NHRIs, key partners in the United Nations, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the United Nations Development Program and GANHRI's Sub-committee on Accreditation.

The Alliance's Annual Meeting discussed ways to enhance the process of accreditation, and proposed changes to the statutes of GANHRI.

In this context, Al Attiyah said that collective responsibility entails ensuring the strength and durability of this process, which strengthens and supports GANHRI members, building a common understanding of the meaning of the practical application of the Paris Principles, pointing out that the proposed changes aim to provide the concerned sub-committee with the ability to recommend the cancelation of NHRIs' accreditation classification where they cannot be considered as institutions operating in accordance with the Paris Principles.

Al Attiyah revealed that GANHRI's 14th International Conference will be held later this year, saying that it will be co-hosted by the NHRI's of Denmark and Ukraine, with the Conference being important for members and partners alike, under the theme of NHRIs' role in preventing and responding to torture and ill-treatment. 

Source: QNA