Global Alliance for National Human Rights Institutions

April 29, 2025

Recently, the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) recommended downgrading India’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) from ‘A’ status to ‘B’ status. This decision arose from concerns about the NHRC’s independence and effectiveness in addressing human rights violations. The GANHRI, established in 1993, aims to promote and protect human rights globally through a network of national institutions.

GANHRI

GANHRI coordinates activities among National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) worldwide. It operates under Swiss law and consists of a Bureau with 16 accredited NHRIs representing various regions. GANHRI collaborates with the UN Human Rights Office, which acts as its secretariat. The organisation conducts annual meetings and international conferences to discuss human rights issues.

Accreditation Process

The Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA) within GANHRI reviews applications for NHRI accreditation. It evaluates compliance with the Paris Principles, which outline essential requirements for NHRIs. The SCA comprises one ‘A status’ NHRI from each regional grouping, serving renewable three-year terms. As of 2024, 88 NHRIs hold ‘A’ status, demonstrating full compliance, while 32 have ‘B’ status, indicating partial compliance.

India’s NHRC and Accreditation Concerns

The NHRC has faced scrutiny since 2023, leading to the SCA’s recommendation for a downgrade. Key issues include the involvement of police officers in investigations, lack of diversity within the commission, and inadequate responses to systemic human rights violations. The SCA brought into light that police involvement could compromise impartiality in investigations, affecting victims’ access to justice.

Independence and Effectiveness

The NHRC’s independence is essential for its effectiveness. The SCA raised concerns about the appointment processes and the influence of the Union government on the commission. The presence of only one woman among standing commissioners reflects a lack of gender representation. The SCA emphasised that a diverse and independent NHRI is vital for addressing human rights issues effectively.

Recommendations for Improvement

The SCA has urged the NHRC to advocate for amendments to the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA) to eliminate police involvement in investigations. It also recommended enhancing the transparency of selection processes and improving cooperation with civil society. While the NHRC has made some interventions, the SCA noted that these efforts have not sufficiently addressed systemic violations.

Timeframe for Compliance

The recommendation to downgrade the NHRC will not take immediate effect. The NHRC has one year to provide evidence of compliance with the Paris Principles. This timeframe allows the commission to implement necessary changes and demonstrate its commitment to human rights protection.

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