Introduction
Every five years, the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), which represents around 120 national human rights institutes, reviews and accredits these institutions to ensure compliance with the Paris Principles.
GANHRI operates through its Subcommittee on Accreditation (SCA), categorizing member National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) into ‘A’ and ‘B’ status. As of November 29, 2023, 120 NHRIs were recognized by GANHRI, with 88 ranked ‘A’ for full compliance with the Paris Principles and 32 ranked ‘B’ for partial compliance.
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The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India’s premier human rights organization, has faced a delay in accreditation for the second consecutive year by an entity linked to the UN human rights office.
Without accreditation from the Geneva-based GANHRI, the NHRC cannot represent India or vote at the UN Human Rights Council.
This delay can be interpreted as a challenge to the NHRC’s impartiality, competence, and independence.
What are the Paris Principles?
- Adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 20, 1993, the Paris Principles set out minimum standards for NHRIs to be deemed credible and effective.
- The six main criteria outlined by the Paris Principles are:
- Broad mandate based on universal human rights norms and standards
- Autonomy from the government
- Independence guaranteed by statute or Constitution
- Pluralism, including membership that broadly reflects society
- Adequate resources
- Adequate powers of investigation
- NHRIs should also be capable of receiving complaints and cases from individuals, third parties, NGOs, trade unions, or other professional organizations.
Conclusion
NHRIs with ‘A’ status can participate fully in the UN Human Rights Council, its subsidiary bodies, and some UNGA committees and processes. They are also entitled to full GANHRI membership, including voting rights and governance positions.
NHRIs with ‘B’ status can attend GANHRI meetings but lack voting and governance privileges.
Without GANHRI accreditation, the NHRC cannot represent India at the UN Human Rights Council, vote, or hold leadership roles. The review of India’s accreditation remains pending, with no final decision yet.
The decision was made following an SCA meeting on May 1 at the United Nations Palais des Nations in Geneva, where detailed briefings and interviews were conducted to assess each country’s human rights institution.