Building Effective Human Rights Commissions

A national human rights institution (NHRI) monitors and raises awareness of human rights and plays a catalytic role in creating a culture of human rights. It may be initiated and even funded by the government, but it is essential that the institution maintain its independence, striking a balance between politics and its legitimate advisory and monitoring functions. (Refer also to the Paris Principles)

A New Tactics workshop was held that focused on 'Building Effective Human Rights Commissions'. Effective human rights commissions successfully meet the challenges of four broad mandates: 1. Maintaining independence from the government; 2. Protecting human rights; 3. Promoting human rights; and 4. Dealing with complaints from individuals. New Tactics Community Members Maini Kiai of the Kenya National Human Rights Commission and Ashraf Mahomed of the South Africa Human Rights Commission presented the tactics utilized by their nations' Human Rights Commissions to fulfill these mandates. Click here to view these presentations.

photo found at http://www.yesnet.yk.ca/schools/wes/projects/human_rights_sofie/human_rights_photos/index.html