Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI): 29 April 2024

About GANHRI::

• Established: 1993 in Tunis, Tunisia; initially known as the International Coordinating Committee of National Human Rights Institutions, renamed to GANHRI in 2016.
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
• Vision: To ensure everyone, everywhere, fully enjoys their human rights.
• Partnership: Tripartite with UNDP and OHCHR to enhance the capabilities of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs).

• Functionality:
  • Membership: Includes 115 NHRIs globally, leading and supporting the promotion and protection of human rights.
  • Unique Feature: The only non-UN body with an internal accreditation system based on the 1993 Paris Principles granting access to UN committees.

• Accreditation Process:
  • Sub-Committee on Accreditation: Conducts peer reviews for initial and re-accreditation every five years.
  • Ratings:
    • A Status: Full compliance with Paris Principles; can vote and hold office in GANHRI.
    • B Status: Partial compliance; can attend GANHRI meetings but cannot vote or hold governance positions.
• India’s NHRC:
  • Accreditation: “A” status by GANHRI.
  • History: Accredited in 1999, maintained “A” status in 2006 and 2011; deferred in 2016, restored after a year.
  • Current Review: On hold due to concerns about composition procedures, involvement of police in investigations, and lack of diversity in gender and minority representation.
  • Impact: Accreditation status affects voting rights at the UN Human Rights Council and some UNGA bodies.

Why in News:

• Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions would be reviewing India’ accreditation status this year.