Recognize the impact of NHRIs across the globe, including the Asia Pacific, in promoting
justice and human rights for all;
Welcome the participation of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights,
United Nations agencies, Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions
(GANHRI), sub-national human rights institutions, representatives of institutions as
observers, international, regional and national civil society organizations and Human
Rights Defenders;
Thank the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, for inaugurating the conference and
highlighting India’s commitment to protect and promote human rights in the spirit of
‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – whole world is one family;
Appreciate and thank the National Human Rights Commission, India for successfully
hosting the Twenty-Eighth Annual General Meeting and Biennial Conference in New
Delhi, India.
Solemnly adopt the Delhi Declaration and state the following:
Bolstering the Human Rights Ecosystem
1. The year 2023 marks the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Paris Principles by
the UN General Assembly, setting the framework for the establishment of
independent and effective NHRIs all around the world. In addition, it is also the 30th
anniversary of the establishment of OHCHR and GANHRI.
2. From only a small number of NHRIs worldwide in 1993, the number of NHRIs has
grown to 120 today. Over the past 30 years, there have been countless examples of
the powerful impact of NHRIs to promote justice and accountability for victims of
human rights violations, as well as to contribute to laws, policies and practices that
uphold human rights.
3. NHRIs worldwide – including in the Asia Pacific region – came out of a complex
context of human rights. In the recent years, the impacts of climate change on the
lives and livelihoods of people are visible, and other environmental challenges have
emerged. Countries are recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. War and conflicts
continue. Violence and discrimination persist. In order to meet these challenges,
proactive action is required.
4. The establishment of GANHRI and its four regional networks of NHRIs, including
the APF, demonstrate the importance of a shared commitment to protect and promote
human rights through the establishment and strengthening of NHRIs in consonance
with the Paris Principles. We need to draw on this legacy of action and impact as we
respond to the current human rights challenges, individually and collectively.
Reinvigorating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
5. On 10 December 2023, we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights (UDHR). This milestone document sets out, for the first time,
universal recognition and observance of human rights. The 30 articles underpin
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