6.3.2 Targeting NHRIs in the CCA

Engagement with NHRIs at the project level should be a product of UN development assistance planning. UNCTs should therefore ensure that any outcomes related to the establishment and strengthening of NHRIs are captured in the CCA. This should be mandatory given the priority that NHRIs have within the UN system. The focus of the CCA will vary depending on whether there is a NHRI already in place, and if so, its current situation, development phase, and accreditation status, if any.

6.3.2.1 No NHRI, or NHRI in pre-establishment phase:

The CCA in this circumstance should focus on the need for a NHRI as well as the socio-economic, political and judicial ‘readiness’ for its establishment. (See Chapter 7 for further guidance on this point.)

6.3.2.2 NHRI being established; no accreditation status:

The CCA should examine whether there are major gaps in the pre-establishment phase that need to be addressed and rectified. It should also determine the NHRI’s stage of development with regard to its structural and operational needs and where and how the UN could best offer support. (See discussion of these needs in Chapter 8.) This may require an assessment of the degree to which the NHRI satisfies the requirements of the Paris Principles.

6.3.2.3 “A-status” NHRI in place:

The CCA should examine whether all elements of the ‘establishment phase’ are completed, as well as assess whether the NHRI might benefit from enhanced programme capacity in later phases (see Chapter 9.)

6.3.2.4 NHRI in place, but not accorded A-Status, or has been down-graded:

UNCTs should review the ICC accreditation decision as part of the CCA process and determine whether support is warranted in light of that decision as well as other relevant factors. If the UNCT determines that ongoing engagement is appropriate, or is needed to support work towards A Status, there are examples of capacity development programs that have been undertaken jointly by the UNDP and OHCHR, in partnership with regional associations such as the APF. (See Chapter 8 for examples, and for a discussion of factors to consider in determine whether to support a non-compliant NHRI in Chapter 10.)

6.3.2.5 In all circumstances:

The CCA analysis should identify the extent and nature of the support being provided to the NHRI and the adequacy of the support in order to determine if there are gaps. This would include an analysis of the sufficiency of State funding for the NHRI.

When the CCA turns up evidence that there are ‘early warning’ signs or ‘changed’ circumstances surrounding the NHRI, this information should be passed on to the OHCHR.

(See discussion of ‘early warning’ and ‘changed’ circumstances in Chapter 10, in particular the checklist on the UNCTs role in the accreditation process.)