1.3.2 Accreditation and the Paris Principles: introducing the ICC
At the International Conference in Tunis in 1993, NHRIs established the International Coordinating Committee of NHRIs (ICC) to coordinate the activities of the NHRI network. In 1998, rules of procedure were developed and its membership was enlarged to 16 members, four from each of the geographical regions. At that same meeting, the ICC resolved to create a process for accrediting institutions.
In accordance with the Rules of Procedure of the ICC, the Sub-Committee on Accreditation, working under the auspices of the OHCHR, has the mandate to review and analyse accreditation applications forwarded by the ICC Chairperson and to make recommendations to ICC members on the compliance of applicants with the Paris Principles.
Quick Facts ABOUT THE ICC
- The ICC was established in 1993 to coordinate NHRI network activities. In 1998, rules of procedure were developed for the ICC, and its membership was enlarged to 16 members, with four from each geographical region.
- The ICC is now incorporated under Swiss law, with a new Statute adopted in 2008 in order to better address the changing environment, including the role of NHRIs in the international human rights system.
- The ICC has its head office in Geneva. The ICC Statute can be viewed at http://www.nhri.net
- More than 100 NHRIs have been accredited by the ICC.
- Since 2007, the ICC has a permanent representative based in Geneva.
- More information on the ICC, its standards, the accredited NHRIs, and the accreditation process overall can be found in Chapter 10.
A full discussion of the Paris Principles as well as the accreditation process and NHRIs is found in Chapter 10 of this Toolkit.