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 rigour 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 cancellation of NHRI's accreditation classification, when 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 co-operation 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 GANHRI's Annual Meeting that despite the severity of these challenges, it 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 said 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, and to make their voice heard worldwide.
She added 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 Programme 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.
Al-Attiyah also revealed that GANHRI's 14th International Conference will be held later this year, and said that it will be co-hosted by the NHRI's of Denmark and Ukraine. She said the conference is important for members and partners alike, with the theme of NHRIs' role in preventing and responding to torture and ill-treatment. (QNA)