Chapter Two Consequences of Palestine as Observer State on the Independent Commission of Human Rights40 National human rights institutions (NHRIs) act according to the Paris Principles, which organize and define their mandate, jurisdiction, sphere of competence and roles. The mission of these institutions is to promote and protect human rights by monitoring the human rights situation in their own states. NHRIs enjoy a broad jurisdiction, expressly stated in their statute, which defines the sphere of their competence. Palestine’s status as a nonmember observer state enables the Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR) to fulfill its role as a national human rights institution. ICHR enjoys full membership in the International Coordinating Committee of National Human Rights Institutions with “A” status and it is mandated to give advice, submit proposals and recommendations for Palestine on consultative level in order to fulfill its international human rights obligations. It also gives advice to the government on its decisions which influence the status of human rights. The government refers to the ICHR for consultation about human rights conventions or other human rights related issues. ICHR also fulfills the role of intermediary between official organizations and civil society organizations. In addition, it cooperates with Palestinian Parliament and presents it with proposals and recommendations concerning draft laws’ compliance and compatibility with the human rights system. It suggests amendment, omission or addition of articles of the draft law and sometimes suggests that a new law should be enacted. In order for the ICHR to act freely, it has the right to attend all sessions where the promotion and protection of human rights is discussed without reference from a higher authority. National human rights institutions play a very important role in disseminating the culture of human rights and updating governmental, local and international organizations about the human rights situation in their respective countries. They have the right to publish reports on the situation of human rights in their countries as well as the recommendations, proposals and advice they present to the official organizations and parliaments to shed light on the role they have with these authorities. Furthermore, they have the right to publish all the legislative, administrative and judicial regulations and related provisions which aim to maintain and promote human rights. The role of national human rights institutions is not restricted to only reviewing draft laws issued by Parliament, as they also have the right to consider laws, administrative provisions and legislation in force, and submit the appropriate proposals and recommendations to guarantee their compliance with basic human rights principles. They also have the right to submit recommendations to the Parliament and the government, when need be, to adopt new legislation, amend an effective legislation or administrative measures. In the 40 See Appendix (6). 21