Mandate is set out in constitution or legislation

Mandate gives authority to promote and protect human rights

Competence is defined in legislation

Appointment effected by official act

Appointment is for a specific duration, (but not so short – e.g., two-years – as to potentially effect independence and effectiveness)

Appointment may be renewable , so long as pluralism is assured.

Appointment process, duration, renewability and criteria set out in legislation

Appointment process supports pluralism and independence

• Nominations include input from civil society

• Selection process involves Parliament

• Criteria for selection includes demonstrated experience in human rights

Conditions for which a member may be dismissed are set out in legislation

Conditions relate to serious misconduct, inappropriate conduct, conflict of interest or incapacity only

Decision to dismiss requires approval preferably by autonomous body such as a panel of high court judges, at a minimum by 2/3rds vote of Parliament

If Government Officials in membership, they have advisory capacity only

Institution reports directly to Parliament

Members have immunity for official acts

State funding is sufficient to allow for independent staff and separate premises

State funding is sufficient to allow for core programming16 in protection and promotion

Funding not subject to financial control which might affect independence

Budget drawn up by the institution

Budget separate from any Department's budget

Institution has authority to defend budget requests directly before Parliament

Budget are secure

• Not subject to arbitrary reduction in year for which it is approved

• Not subject to arbitrary reduction from one year to the next

The institution can consider any issue within its competence on its own initiative on the proposal of its member or any petitioner

The institution can let the public know of opinions or recommendations, including through the media, without higher approval

The institution meets regularly and in plenary

Special meetings can be convened as necessary

All members are officially convened for meetings

The institution can set up working groups (which may contain non-NHRI members)

The institution can set up regional or local offices