Needs Assessment and Gap Analysis of the National
Human Rights Institutions in South Asia
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NHRC Nepal highlights a lack of expertise among its staff in linking climate change to
human rights. With over 250 employees, only a handful possess relevant knowledge, and
the funding received from the government does not prioritise climate initiatives. Training
programmes are essential to enable NHRC Nepal to effectively advise the government,
monitor violations, and report on climate-related human rights issues. NHRC Nepal
emphasises that building knowledge and capacity is key to the NHRC’s future engagement in
climate change initiatives.
NCHR Pakistan stresses the necessity for enhanced technical support and capacity building.
They seek targeted training sessions to improve staff skills and advocate for collaboration
with external consultants to bolster their expertise. Additionally, the NCHR recognises the
need for logistical support to conduct visits to areas affected by climate change, enhancing
their understanding of local issues. Strengthening international collaboration is also crucial, as
NCHR Pakistan aims to engage more actively in global forums to advocate for support from
developed nations.
In Sri Lanka, HRCSL identifies various capacity gaps that impede their engagement in
climate initiatives. Comprehensive training for all staff is essential, as well as financial
resources for investigations and inquiries. The absence of a national inquiry into climate
change underscores the need for funding and expertise. HRCSL emphasises the importance
of integrating a human rights perspective into climate action, ensuring that government
initiatives uphold principles of non-discrimination and inclusion. By collaborating with
stakeholders, HRCSL aims to develop policies aligned with human rights standards.
Across all six NHRIs, a common theme emerges regarding the need for targeted training
and capacity-building programmes that enhance understanding of climate change and
its human rights implications. Many NHRIs express the importance of collaboration with
international and local partners to facilitate this training and resource acquisition. Additionally,
the integration of climate change considerations into existing human rights frameworks is
consistently highlighted as a priority for enhancing effectiveness.
Future needs across these NHRIs include increased financial support, technical assistance,
and enhanced collaboration with civil society and international organisations. By addressing
these gaps, the NHRIs can strengthen their capacity to monitor and advocate for human
rights in the context of climate change. Each NHRI’s experiences highlight the pressing need
for tailored training and resources to navigate the complex interplay between climate change
and human rights effectively. The collective experiences of the NHRIs in Bangladesh, India,
Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka accentuate the urgent need for capacity-building
efforts to empower them in their climate change initiatives. Strengthening their knowledge
and expertise will enable them to fulfil their mandates more effectively and advocate for the
rights of vulnerable populations affected by climate change. By fostering collaboration and