GANHRI 2023 Annual Conference

2023 is a significant milestone for national human rights institutions (NHRIs). It marks the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Paris Principles by the United Nations General Assembly and the creation of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI). 

To mark these anniversaries, GANHRI organized its Annual Conference at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on 16 March 2023. The conference brought together more than 200 participants from NHRIs and partner organizations. The event was an opportunity to reflect on the current state of human rights and identify challenges and priorities as well as showcase the experiences and contributions of NHRIs in protecting the rights of people.

“Effective and independent NHRIs represent the bedrock of just and inclusive societies that can advance peace, security, human rights, and sustainable development for all” 

Achim Steiner, Administrator, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

NHRIs are trusted partners of the international human rights system, speaking with credibility at the UN Human Rights Council and they contribute  to the work of UN human rights treaty bodies and the special procedures and Universal Periodic Review.

“We encourage all NHRIs to use the UPR mechanism at its full potential to promote human rights, this objective fits very well with the mandate of NHRIs under the Paris Principle”

Mona M'Bikay, Executive Director of UPR Info. 

Thanks to their mandate, NHRIs can monitor the implementation of UPR recommendations and hold governments accountable for human rights obligations.  “NHRIs can contribute to the implementation of UPR recommendations” Ms M’Bikay added.

One of the most recurring themes addressed in the UPR recommendations is related to the rights of the child. NHRIs can contribute to the protection of promotion of children rights by putting in place various initiatives, including supporting the participation of children in the UPR process or raising awareness on this topic. In 2022, the NHRI in Scotland held consultations with children to inform their “Other Stakeholders Report”.

NHRIs can also facilitate the cooperation among different stakeholders to implement UPR recommendations.  In Bangladesh, for example, the NHRI contributed to develop a partnership between the private sector and government in the garment industry. The partnership had the objective to provide birth registration to children.

“NHRIs are critical partners in the implementation of international human rights standards everywhere. Your work is absolutely vital in making human rights a reality for everyone, everywhere”

Volker Turk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.