Empowering National Human Rights Institutions to Advance Rights-Based Climate Action 23 The NHRC collaborates with CSOs and NGOs. They plan to improve coordination with international organisations on climate change issues. The Commission also mentions India’s leadership in implementing the Paris Agreement and increasing renewable energy capacity. The main capacity gap at NHRC India in relation to monitoring, investigating, reporting and advising on CCMA initiatives is in training staff on climate change mitigation and adaptation techniques. The NHRC suggests including environmental knowledge in their recruitment criteria. They also propose nominating senior officers to be part of a working group on climate change issues. The Commission does not face financial constraints but recognises the need for expertise in environmental and climate change areas. Human Rights Commission of the Maldives The Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) was established in 2003 as an independent statutory body to promote and protect human rights in the Maldives.69 Initially formed by presidential decree, it was later institutionalised through the Human Rights Commission Act of 2006,70 and later recognised under the Constitution of Maldives (2008).71 The mandate of the HRCM mandate includes investigating human rights violations, monitoring the state’s compliance with human rights standards, and advising the government on laws and policies to strengthen human rights protections. The Commission also focuses on promoting awareness and education on human rights issues within the country. 72 HRCM is currently accredited as a “B” status NHRI by GANHRI.73 In the area of climate change and human rights, HRCM is involved in monitoring and investigating climate change-related cases. They have worked on issues like land erosion and flooding, collaborating with local councils in different parts of the country. HRCM also monitors situations where people have been affected by natural disasters, including displacement due to storms, storm surges and flooding. However, at the moment, there is no clearly outlined climate change related programme at HRCM, and thus, climate mobility risks are not addressed systematically. HRCM recognises the importance of raising awareness about human rights linked to environmental issues, especially climate change, given the vulnerability of the country to the adverse effects of climate change. HRCM plans to hold forums on environmental rights, although the focus on climate change is still developing. HRCM has also faced challenges in receiving timely information from the government regarding climate change issues. 69 Human Rights Commission of the Maldives, ‘About HRCM’ (2024) <https://hrcm.org.mv/en>. 70 Human Rights Commission Act (6/2006) 2006. 71 Constitution of the Republic of Maldives 2008. 72 Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (n 70). 73 Office of the High Commissioner for Human RIghts (n 66).