Chapter 10

Objective: Paris Principles and Accreditation

Describe and explain the Paris Principles, and provide guidance on how and what support to offer to institutions that do not comply, including those that have been downgraded by the ICC

Executive Summary

This chapter describes the Paris Principles and their application to National Human Rights Institutions (NHRI). The Paris Principles set minimum conditions that a national human rights institution must meet to be considered credible by its peer institutions and by the UN.

The Paris Principles require NHRIs to protect and promote human rights. More specifically, the Paris Principles set out six criteria that NHRIs should meet to be successful:

• A broad mandate, based on universal human rights standards;
• Autonomy from government;
• Independence;
• Pluralism;
• Adequate resources; and
• Adequate powers of investigation.

Each of the criteria is examined, and checklists are provided to assess compliance to them.

Annex 1: Checklist Compilation for Assessing Compliance with the Paris Principles

The Bureau of the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions (ICC) accredits institutions based on their compliance with the Paris Principles as being "A-Status", "B-Status", or "C-Status". An "A-Status" accreditation signifies compliance with the Paris Principles and means that the NHRI is considered credible by the ICC and the international community. "B-Status" accreditation signifies that the NHRI meets some but not all the requirements of the Paris Principles. "C-Status" accreditation signifies that the NHRI is non-compliant. Only "A-Status" NHRIs have the right to participate as voting members within the ICC and to take part in the work of the UN Human Rights Council.

"A-Status" and "B-Status" accreditation is reviewed every five years and may be changed based on that review.

Accreditation status may also be reviewed in the event that circumstances change, for example if the enabling legislation of a NHRI is amended.

The ICC, supported by the NIRM Section of the OHCHR, has developed a process for accreditation and re-accreditation that assesses a NHRI compliance with the Paris Principles both "on paper" and substantively.

UNCTs can support the accreditation and re-accreditation process in a variety of ways, including by providing information to NHRIs. When a NHRI is not granted A-Status, or loses that status following a review, the ICC will issue recommendations on what the institution must do to conform to the Paris Principles. UNCTs should use these recommendations as a road-map for assisting non-compliant NHRIs to move towards greater compliance with the Paris Principles.

The default position for UNCTs should be to support NHRIs along the continuum of compliance that exists. In rare occasions, such as poor performance by a NHRI due to its 'politisation' or for other reasons deemed serious enough, withdrawing support may be warranted, but this should only be done in consultation with the OHCHR.