Key Messages

• Establishing Paris-Principle compliant NHRIs is a UN priority.
• In assessing a country’s readiness to establish a NHRI, UNCTs should take into account the level of political will, the strength of the culture of human rights in the region, the effectiveness of the existing justice system, and the stability of the country.
• UNCTs can aid in developing national consensus by ‘seeding’ the area of government, civil society and other stakeholders, so that the idea of a NHRI is accepted by government and key stakeholders.
• Engagement with stakeholders needs to be organized, effectively planned and prepared so as to gain credibility with stakeholders.
• When it is clear that there is movement toward the establishment of a NHRI, a preliminary programme of action should be developed to support the new institution then, and not after.
• Strategies to develop a coherent and consistent approach to UN support by the UNCT, involve the integration of NHRIs into the UNDAF and into other planning tools in the UN planning cycle. For further discussion, see Chapter 6.
• UNCTs can also support the national process by encouraging and promoting dialogue, where the framework for discussion is the Paris Principles.
• UNCTs should ensure that there is a focal point within the government and the UNCT for supporting and coordinating the overall process.
• In determining the type of NHRI to establish, UNCTs should encourage stakeholders to consider the various options that will aid in deciding what is best suited to the country’s needs, having regard to regional and legal specificities. Consultation with experts and resources through the UN, UNDP and NI Unit of the OHCHR is key.
• UNCTs should aid in the development of enabling legislation, whether by constitutional amendment or through ordinary legislation. This in compliance with the Paris Principles.