National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) are specialised entities that promote and protect human rights at the national level, fulfilling a unique role as state actors that are independent of government.
The mandate and structure of each NHRI may vary. Human rights commissions, ombuds institutions, consultative and advisory bodies, institutes and centres, or hybrid institutions serve as examples of NHRIs. NHRI work may include activities such as monitoring and reporting on the human rights situation in the country; providing advice and recommendations to the government and other state institutions; promoting and delivering human rights education; engaging with other national and international human rights organizations; encouraging ratification or accession to international human rights instruments; receiving, investigating, and addressing individual complaints.
NHRIs are measured by the yardstick of the UN Paris Principles, a set of international standards adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1993 that determine their independence and effectiveness. The Paris Principles establish the main criteria that NHRIs are required to meet:
- Establishment under primary law or the Constitution;
- A broad mandate to promote and protect human rights;
- Formal and functional independence;
- Pluralism, representing all aspects of society;
- Adequate resources and financial autonomy;
- Freedom to address any human rights issue arising;
- Annual reporting on the national human rights situation;
- Cooperation with national and international actors, including civil society.
The level of compliance with the Paris Principles of each NHRI is assessed every five years by the Sub-Committee of Accreditation (SCA) of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI). If an NHRI is considered to fully align with the Paris Principles, it is accredited with A status. If it partially adheres to them, it is granted with B status. No status is assigned if an NHRI fails to comply with the Paris Principles.
As of December 2024, a total of 118 institutions worldwide have been recognised as NHRIs. 91 have been accredited with A status and 27 with B status.
The Raoul Wallenberg Institute has a long history of working with NHRIs, from supporting their establishment to strengthening their capacities to achieve accreditation or maintain it. More than 50 NHRIs that we have worked with are currently accredited with A status. To learn more about our work with National Human Rights Institutions, click here.
Featured photo by: Marco Orioliesi Unsplash