NHRIs: History, Principles, Roles and Responsibilities - full text book by OHCHR


CONTENTS

Page
About this publication................................................................................. vi
Chapter
I. THE UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS SYSTEM AND NATIONAL 
HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS......................................................... 1
Learning objectives.......................................................................................... 2
Introduction..................................................................................................... 2
A. Human rights systems.......................................................................... 4
B. The United Nations and national human rights institutions............. 7
Conclusion................................................................................................................................ 10
II. INTRODUCING NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS........... 11
Introduction..................................................................................................... 12
Learning objectives................................................................................................................. 12
A. What is a national human rights institution?...................................... 13
B. Models of national human rights institutions..................................... 15
C. Advantages of national human rights institutions............................. 20
D. The role of national human rights institutions ................................... 21
Conclusion....................................................................................................... 28
III. THE INTERNATIONAL COORDINATING COMMITTEE AND THE
PARIS PRINCIPLES................................................................................ 29
Introduction..................................................................................................... 30
Learning objectives.......................................................................................... 30
A. The Paris Principles ................................................................................ 31
B. The International Coordinating Committee and its accreditation
system..................................................................................................... 44
Conclusion....................................................................................................... 53
IV. HUMAN RIGHTS PROMOTION............................................................ 55
Introduction..................................................................................................... 56
Learning objectives.......................................................................................... 56
A. What is human rights promotion and why is it important?............... 57
B. General principles.................................................................................. 59
C. Public education..................................................................................... 61
D. Public awareness ................................................................................... 68�v
Page
E. Publications............................................................................................ 70
F. Documentation centres......................................................................... 72
G. Community-based initiatives................................................................ 73
Conclusion....................................................................................................... 73
V. HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION............................................................ 75
Introduction..................................................................................................... 76
Learning objectives.......................................................................................... 76
A. Human rights investigations................................................................. 77
B. Investigating individual complaints..................................................... 81
C. Alternative dispute resolution.............................................................. 93
D. Inquiries.................................................................................................. 96
Conclusion....................................................................................................... 100
VI. ADVISING THE GOVERNMENT AND PARLIAMENT......................... 101
Introduction..................................................................................................... 102
Learning objectives.......................................................................................... 102
A. The Paris Principles............................................................................. 103
B. Responsibilities of those receiving the advice............................ 104
C. Reviewing existing legislation, policy or practice ..................... 105
D. Reviewing proposed legislation, policy or practice................... 106
VII. MONITORING HUMAN RIGHTS.......................................................... 111
Introduction..................................................................................................... 112
Learning objectives.......................................................................................... 112
A. What is monitoring?.............................................................................. 113
B. Principles of monitoring........................................................................ 114
C. The use of surveys in monitoring......................................................... 116
D. Monitoring a country's human rights situation.................................. 117
E. Monitoring places of detention............................................................ 120
Conclusion....................................................................................................... 124
VIII. COORDINATION AND COOPERATION.............................................. 125
Introduction..................................................................................................... 126
Learning objectives.......................................................................................... 126
A. Administration of justice and the rule of law..................................... 127
B. Relationship to parliament................................................................... 130�
Page
C. The international human rights system............................................... 132
D. Other national human rights institutions and regional networks..... 134
E. Relationship with civil society.............................................................. 135
Conclusion....................................................................................................... 135
IX. NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS IN CONFLICT AND 
POST-CONFLICT SITUATIONS.............................................................. 137
Introduction..................................................................................................... 138
Learning objectives.......................................................................................... 138
A. National human rights institutions in situations of conflict.............. 139
B. National human rights institutions in post-conflict situations .......... 143
Conclusion....................................................................................................... 146
X. SUPPORTING NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS............. 147
Introduction..................................................................................................... 148
Learning objectives.......................................................................................... 148
A. Pre-establishment phase....................................................................... 149
B. Establishment phase.............................................................................. 153
C. Consolidating and strengthening national human rights
institutions............................................................................................. 160
Conclusion....................................................................................................... 161
ANNEXES
I. The Paris Principles, annexed to General Assembly resolution
48/134............................................................................................................ 164
II. List of accredited national human rights institutions (as of June
2010)...................................................................................................... 167
III. Statute of the International Coordinating Committee of National 
Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (and
annexed rules of procedure of its Sub-Committee on Accreditation)....................................................................................................... 174
IV. Sub-Committee on Accreditation: general observations (June
2009)...................................................................................................... 190
V. General Assembly resolution 60/154 .................................................. 196
VI. General Assembly resolution 63/169 .................................................. 199
VII. General Assembly resolution 63/172 .................................................. 201
VIII.General Assembly resolution 64/161 .................................................. 205
IX. Commission on Human Rights resolution 2005/74 ............................ 208�i
about this publiCatioN
This publication introduces the reader to national human rights institutions (NHRIs). 
Its focus is on NHRIs as both cornerstones of national human rights protection and 
promotion, and links between States and the international human rights system.
Intended audience
Respect for human rights requires the concerted effort of every Government, individual, 
group and organ in society. With this in mind, the publication is intended for all those 
who seek a basic understanding of NHRIs, the work they do, how they interact with 
States, civil society and the international community, and how to support their work.
Overview of learning objectives
Overall goal: provide readers with a basic understanding of NHRIs, what 
they are and how they work
Objective 1: describe the context and systems in which NHRIs operate, including the 
national, regional and international human rights systems, and the special importance 
of NHRIs at all these levels.
Objective 2: clearly explain what an NHRI is and the different models that exist, as well 
as the roles of NHRIs.
Objective 3: explain the role of NHRIs in promoting human rights.
Objective 4: explain the role of NHRIs in advising Governments and legislatures.
Objective 5: explain the role of NHRIs in protecting human rights (monitoring, investigations, inquiries and alternative dispute resolution), including by ensuring greater 
respect for the rule of law.
Objective 6: identify key challenges and opportunities for supporting NHRIs in the
pre-establishment, establishment and strengthening phases of their development.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Only genuine comments please!

Most Popular Posts