Statement by Václav Bálek, President of the Human Rights Council, to the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions Annual Conference 2023

Mr. Václav Bálek
HRC President

GANHRI2023 Annual Conference
16 March 2023

Madam Secretary,
Madam Deputy High Commissioner,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

I am delighted to be here today to open this Annual Conference on behalf of the Human Rights Council.

We gather here to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the endorsement of the Paris Principles. I would like to therefore take a moment to recognize and celebrate the important role of NHRIs in the promotion and protection of human rights around the world. Over the past 30 years, the Paris Principles have become widely recognized as the international standards for the establishment and functioning of NHRIs.

The Human Rights Council highly values the work and longstanding contribution of NHRIs. The Council regards NHRIs as key partners in its efforts to promote and protect human rights globally.

Since its establishment in 2006, the Council has adopted several resolutions recognizing both the importance of establishing Paris Principles-compliant NHRIs and most importantly their work in improving the human rights situation in countries. These resolutions acknowledge the work of NHRIs and call on relevant parts of the UN to strengthen the independent participation of national human rights institutions compliant with the Paris Principles.

To be more specific, the resolution 5/1 of the Human Rights Council, adopted already in 2007 grants speaking rights to ‘A’ status NHRIs at the Council, allowing them to participate in the work and meetings of the Council and to make statements and interventions before it. This way NHRIs can provide first-hand information on the human rights situation in their respective countries. This is how NHRIs contribute to the Council. They also enhance the work of the Council by bringing diverse voices and perspectives to the table.

The Council appreciates the role that NHRIs play in following up on UN Member State’s implementation of recommendations from the Universal Periodic Review or in general from the Council. This is essential. Without translating Council’s recommendations into real outcomes on the ground, our work would be useless.

I am glad to note that NHRIs, with the support of OHCHR and GANHRI, are actively contributing to the ongoing 52nd session of the Council. Your contributions are a testament to how NHRIs are bridging the gap between national and international human rights protection systems.

I would also like to highlight that the Council, through its Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, has made numerous recommendations to State Parties to establish and strengthen NHRIs in compliance with the Paris Principles.

Ladies and gentlemen,

As we celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the the Paris Principles, NHRIs still continue to face numerous challenges. In many parts of the world, NHRIs, their members and staff face intimidation, threats and reprisals from state and non-state actors. These may take various forms, including, but not limited to, unjustifiable budgetary cuts, intimidation, harassment, arbitrary arrest and even killing. The Council has affirmed its commitment to support NHRIs and their broad mandates, and will continue to advocate for the protection of NHRIs from any form of reprisal or intimidation.

To conclude,

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Paris Principles, I would like to reiterate once again the Council’s support to NHRIs. To address today’s complex challenges, we need everyone to be actively involved. The NHRIs role is most welcome and appreciated.

Thank you.