Key Messages

• The Paris Principles, while not legally binding, define the basic standards for assessing the credibility of a NHRI. The Principles are broadly accepted as the appropriate test for determining an institution's independence and effectiveness.
• The overarching goals of the Paris Principles are for NHRIs to meet the minimum requirements to protect and promote human rights. The six main criteria of the Principles set out what a fully functioning NHRI should meet to be successful.
• The six criteria of the Paris Principles provide that NHRIs should have a broad mandate, autonomy, independence, pluralism, adequate resources, and adequate powers of investigation.
• Non-compliance with the Paris Principles does not signify that the UN should refuse to work with an institution; rather, it is a signal that activities should be directed toward achieving compliance.
• The Bureau of the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions will give an institution accreditation when it meets the criteria of the Paris Principles. Accreditation is conferred as either A-status (compliance), B-status (insufficient, or unknown compliance), or C-status (no compliance).
• An institution granted A-Status accreditation is accepted as credible by the international community. An A-Status opens the door for that institution to participate in decision-making of the ICC as well as to work with the UN Human Rights Council and other UN bodies.
• Initial accreditation occurs when a national institution applies for membership in the ICC. All A-status NHRIs, as well as B-Status NHRIs that have not re-applied for reconsideration of their status, are subject to re-accreditation every five years to ensure that institutions maintain and improve their compliance with the Paris Principles.
• Accreditation may also be reviewed when there are "changed circumstances" such as amendments to the enabling legislation.
• "Early warning" means that there is a threat to the effectiveness of an NHRI based on good field intelligence. The "early warning" mechanism can be seen as a step to prevent "changed circumstances" that might lead to a review of accreditation.
• While it is sometimes necessary for the UN to withdraw support from non-compliant NHRIs, working with NHRIs along the continuum of compliance with the Paris Principles should be the norm as it is often the case that failures of an institution are not of its own making. Efforts should be made for such institutions to become more effective.