Accreditation by the GANHRI

Source-This post on Accreditation by the GANHRI is based on the article “NHRC accreditation status faces review in Geneva this week” published in “The Hindu” on 28th March 2024.

Why in the News?

The meeting of the Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA) of the UN-recognised Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) worldwide will be held on 1st May 24.

About A’ status accreditation

1. About status accreditation: ‘A’ status accreditation provides NHRC with international recognition and protection. It allows participation in decision-making within GANHRI, the Human Rights Council, and other UN mechanisms.

2. Evolution of GANHRI Accreditation System: The GANHRI accreditation system is overseen by the Sub Committee on Accreditation (SCA) with the support of OHCHR. It has evolved to include periodic reviews, an appeals process, and enhanced transparency, contributing to global strengthening of NHRI accreditation.

3. Permanent observer on the SCA: The National Institutions and Regional Mechanisms Section in the UN Human Rights Office is a permanent observer on the SCA and serves as the secretariat to the GANHRI and its SCA.

4. Mandates:

a) Compliance with Paris Principles: NHRC’s accreditation is based on adherence to the UN-mandated Paris Principles and this ensures international recognition and protection.

b) Participation in Decision-Making: Accreditation entails NHRC’s involvement in decision-making processes of GANHRI, the Human Rights Council, and other UN mechanisms.

c) Rigorous Review Process: The accreditation process involves a thorough assessment against criteria set out in the Paris Principles, focusing on NHRC’s mandate, autonomy, independence, pluralism, resource adequacy, and investigative powers.

5. The Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA) to GANHRI recently deferred the re-accreditation of India’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for a year.  Without accreditation, NHRC will be unable to represent India at the UN Human Rights Council.

6. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is gearing up to advocate for the Union government’s human rights procedures at a gathering in Geneva. The outcome of this meeting is anticipated to determine whether India’s human rights body will maintain its “A status” accreditation.

UPSC Syllabus: Governance