Quick facts about NHRIs and core protection activities

In a survey undertaken by the OHCHR, over 80% of NHRI respondents indicated that they are indeed carrying out activities relating to the prevention of torture and ill-treatment, including by visiting places of detention and receiving complaints from detainees. Nevertheless, the quantity and quality of this work appears varied. Furthermore, only two thirds of the responses had dedicated activities for human rights defenders. The level of activity in this area was notably lower among European NHRIs.

Source: OHCHR, Survey of National Human Rights Institutions: Report on the Findings and Recommendations of a Questionnaire Addressed to NHRIs Worldwide. 2009. www.nhri.net.