Chapter II Advisory Opinions Submitted by the National Institution for Human Rights to the Constitutional Authorities(8) Introduction Encouraging the ratification of, or accession to, regional and international human rights instruments, and ensuring their effective implementation, is one of the main functions of national human rights institutions. Beyond that, it is necessary to assess the extent of compliance by the State party with its regional and international obligations arising from ratification or accession, and propose or amend legislation, regulations, or practices in a manner consistent with the relevant regional or international standards(9). By referring to the provisions of Law Number (26) of 2014 on the Establishment of the National Institution for Human Rights, Article (12), Paragraph (b) thereof, stipulates that the NIHR is competent to “examine legislation and regulations in force in the Kingdom related to human rights, and recommend amendments as it deems suitable, particularly in connection with the consistency of such regulations with the international human rights obligations of the Kingdom. The NIHR may also recommend the adoption of new legislation related to human rights”. Paragraph (c) of the same Article stipulates that the NIHR is competent to “explore the conformity of legislative and regulatory provisions with regional and international treaties related to human rights issues, and submit proposals and recommendations to the competent authorities in any matter that may promote and protect human rights, including recommendations to accede to regional and international conventions and treaties concerned with human rights”. This sphere of competence reflects the contents and scope of the Paris Principles and the general comments of the Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA). Giving effect to its competence, the NIHR expressed its perspectives and observations on a number of human rights issues to the constitutional authorities. It has also submitted its opinions on a number decrees, bills, and proposals, at the request of the National Council. Five advisory opinions were submitted to the Shura Council and (5) advisory opinions were submitted to the Council of Representatives, in addition to (2) advisory opinions submitted to the government. Hence, this Chapter addresses the advisory opinions submitted by the NIHR to the constitutional authorities in three main sections: the first section presents the advisory opinions referred to the Shura Council; the second section presents the advisory opinions referred to the Council of Representatives, whereas the third section is dedicated to present its advisory opinions submitted to the government (8)  T his chapter of the report includes a summary of the advisory opinions that the National Institution for Human Rights submitted to the constitutional authorities in the Kingdom. For details of the advisory opinions, refer to the institution’s website - advisory opinions section at www.nihr.org.bh. (9)  P aris Principles Concerning the Status of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights- Power and Responsibilities - Paragraph (3), p. 5 / General Note (1-3) Encouraging the ratification of, or accession to, international human rights instruments, p. 91. 47