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

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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.