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Source-This post on NHRC Accreditation Deferred by GANHRI is based on the article “UN-linked body defers accreditation of NHRC-India” published in “The Hindu” on 13th May 2024.
Why in the News?
India’s human rights record suffered a setback as the Geneva-based Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), affiliated with the United Nations, deferred the accreditation of the National Human Rights Commission-India (NHRC) for the second consecutive year.
Reasons for NHRC Accreditation Deferral by GANHRI:
1. Lack of Transparency in Member Appointments: GANHRI cited concerns over transparency in the process of appointing members to the NHRC. Transparency is crucial for ensuring credibility and impartiality in human rights investigations and interventions.
2. Appointment of Police Officers for Human Rights Investigations: GANHRI raised objections regarding the appointment of police officers to oversee human rights investigations. This practice might compromise the independence and integrity of investigations, raising doubts about the impartiality of the NHRC.
3. Gender and Minority Representation: The NHRC’s member panel was criticized for lacking adequate representation of gender and minority groups. Inclusivity is essential for ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered in addressing human rights issues effectively.
Challenges in Implementing Recommendations:
i) Some of the demands made by the international peer review report were difficult to undertake during the election process in India.
ii) Structural changes and suggestions provided by GANHRI were not feasible to implement at the time due to the ongoing general elections.
Review Process and Future Outlook
i) The NHRC’s accreditation deferral is expected to be reviewed later this year, potentially during meetings in September, or again in May next year.
ii) Suspension of ‘A’ status for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024) marks a significant setback for India’s human rights record and its international standing.
Read More: Accreditation by the GANHRI
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