NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, INDIA
2.4 National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) that comply with the principles relating to the
status of national institutions, commonly known as the Paris Principles, are playing a crucial
role in promoting and monitoring the effective implementation of international human rights
standards at the national level. Through the Universal Periodic Review, treaty monitoring bodies,
and other international human rights mechanisms, every State is being encouraged to establish
an effective, independent NHRI that complies with the Paris Principles as well as strengthen it
where already existing. NHRIs encourage cooperation with a range of actors, among which the
United Nations and, in particular, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human
Rights (OHCHR) besides the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) and
the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF) are of significance.
2.5
During the period under review, the National Human Rights Commission of India, which is a
member of the GANHRI and a founder member of the APF, participated in a number of meetings,
seminars, workshops and interacted with foreign delegates in the Commission.
2.6
The Cooperation with the APF, GANHRI, NHRC’s participation in other international meetings
and Programmes, and interaction with foreign delegates in the Commission etc. are enumerated
at Chapter 17.
2.7
The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) is a representative body of
National Human Rights Institutions established for the purpose of creating and strengthening
NHRIs which are in conformity with the Paris Principles. It performs this role through encouraging
international co-ordination of joint activities and co-operation among these National Human
Rights Institutions, organizing international conferences, liaison with the United Nations and
other international organizations and, where requested, assisting governments to establish
a National Institution. It works to create and strengthen National Institutions and to ensure
that they conform to the Paris Principles. In all its activities and in its Presidency, Committees,
Working Groups, etc., the GANHRI ensures gender equality. NHRC, India is a GANHRI member
with ‘A’ status accreditation which was earlier accredited in 1999 and reaccredited in 2006 and
2011.
Smt. Jyotika Kalra, Hon’ble Member, NHRC and Shri Jaideep Govind, Secretary General, NHRC attending
a meeting on GANHRI operations
ANNUAL REPORT 2019-20
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