Commissioners who bring with them such a wealth of human rights related experience and
expertise.
Immediately after appointment the Commission held wide ranging consultations with all staff
(including staff of the 10 HRCSL Regional Offices), civil society and media personnel. The
consultations gave Commissioners an opportunity to share their proposed vision and proposed
work plan and obtain feedback from vital stakeholders.
First, we pointed out that the guiding principles of the new Commission would be robust
independence and serving in a people oriented manner. Public views would be of paramount
importance. Similarly, maintaining strong links with civil society is a key policy priority.
Second, prioritized issues/activities were identified:
providing human rights oversight to the proposed transitional justice process
making interventions on the proposed constitutional reform process to strengthen
constitutional protection of human rights
focusing on torture and other violations by law enforcement personnel with a
view to ending impunity
focusing on the rights of marginalized groups in order to ensure the rights of all
economic and social rights to underscore the Commission’s commitment to the
principle of indivisibility of rights
Third, the proposed reform of working methods at HRCSL was highlighted.
The Commission plans to develop a Strategic Plan through a consultative process in 2016.
The most important policy shift is in also prioritizing the advisory function of the HRCSL to
advise the government in ensuring that legislation and administrative practices are in line with
human rights standards (vide s.10 (c ), (d) of parent statute). Similarly, a priority would be
streamlining the investigation/inquiry process. Steps have to be taken to expeditiously process
the existing large backlog of cases. The investigation and inquiry process must be simplified
while complaints that do not fall directly within the mandate of HRCSL will be referred to the
relevant redress mechanism.
Improved connectivity between the Head Office and the ten Regional Offices is a priority to
guarantee institutional cohesion. Similarly, the need to modernize and encourage the use of ICT
to expedite and upgrade work methods is identified.
Improving competencies of staff, particularly to accord with the new priorities is an imperative.
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