Chapter 1
Introducing National Human
Rights Institutions

Chapter 2
Models of NHRIs

Chapter 3
Roles and Responsabilities of
NHRIs

Chapter 4
The Rule of Law and the NHRI

Chapter 5
NHRIs, Development and
Democratic Governance

Chapter 6
Situating NHRI Support in the UN Planning & Programming Process

Chapter 7
Pre-establishment Phase of NHRIs

Chapter 8
Establishing NHRIs

Chapter 9
Consolidation Phase:
Strengthening the Mature NHRI

Chapter 10
Paris Principles and Accreditation

7.3.2.3 Inception missions:

Inception missions by independent regional experts or international experts have proved useful in helping to set out the parameters of potential needs and developing the framework for a project document or other planning tool for UNCT. These missions bring in the expert for an orientation period to begin the process of generating the internal country dialogue to create a NHRI.

The NIRM Section of the OHCHR and UNDP have years of collective experience in identifying suitable persons to carry out such assignments, these are typically individuals who have had relevant experience in NHRIs. They should be consulted jointly if it is determined that an inception mission is necessary to support defining the needs more precisely, as well as project development.

Note: Inception missions

Inception missions are a good starting point to lay the groundwork and conduct a needs assessment for the pre-establishment phase. The NIRM Section of the OHCHR should be contacted, along with UNDP, to begin this process and support the identification of relevant experts.

Note: Lists of qualified experts

UNDP and OHCHR (NIRM Section) are developing lists of qualified experts according to areas of technical assistance and regional experience. OHCHR and UNDP contact points are set out above in 7.3.1.