Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions Annual Meeting

2023 is a milestone year for human rights. In addition to the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we also commemorate thirty years of the Paris Principles which set out the foundation for the work of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs).

Pluralism. Independence. Effectiveness.

These three pillars guide the efforts of NHRIs to advance human rights in their countries – independently from governments – and to reflect a diversity of voices from civil society.

Around the world, my Office is proud to support the establishment and strengthening of NHRIs, critical partners in the implementation of international human rights standards.

Your work is vital in making human rights a reality for everyone, everywhere, and my Office provides legal advice, technical assistance and capacity building to aid your efforts.

We also continue to support the review and accrediting of NHRIs in compliance with the Paris Principles, key to measuring progress towards achievement of Indicator 16.a.1. of the Sustainable Development Goals [Existence of independent national human rights institutions in compliance with the Paris Principles].

Today, I ask Member States who have not yet done so to take steps to establish national institutions in line with the Paris Principles. For others, I encourage you to strengthen and support existing NHRIs, including through adequate resources. Greater efforts to investigate and respond to cases of reprisal and threats against NHRIs, their members and staff, are also very much needed.

This anniversary year is vital - an opportunity to strengthen our collective commitment to address the raft of human rights challenges around the globe, to take stock of the immense progress we have made, and to look to the future. It is really about national ownership. NHRIs have an essential role to play in fostering such ownership of the cause of human rights.

Thank you for the work you do. My Office remains committed to supporting you in all your endeavours.