In June 2005, the King of Nepal decided to appoint new Commissioners to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) without consultation.

This sparked criticism that the selection process was contrary to the legal process. By the time the Royal government fell in 2006, credibility and support from key civil society actors for the NHRC had deteriorated. This was especially regrettable as previous Commissioners had built public legitimacy for the NHRC by ensuring that NGOs had had an active role in the NHRC’s establishment. Following extensive pressure from civil society and other social forces, new commissioners were named in 2007.2

√ Politicians, since ultimately political action is a prerequisite for the establishing NHRIs

√ Government

√ Members of Parliamentary committees dealing with human rights

√ Public servants, and especially Justice officials and/ or representatives of Attorney-General office, Ministry of the Interior, or equivalent.

Civil Society

√ Trade unions and similar professional associations

√ NGOs active in human rights

√ Human rights advocates and activists;

√ Religious leaders

√ Representatives of regional and international organisations

√ Community service organizations

√ Other Groups representing disadvantaged, vulnerable or marginalized persons since, as prime beneficiaries, it is important to forge a sense of ownership in the process and be assured that the institution established will speak on their behalf;

√ Academics

√ Members of the Bar (lawyers) and the judiciary, especially those involved in human rights

√ Media/Journalists

International Community

√ UN officials and in particular the NIRM Section of the OHCHR and the UNDP since they have broad and relevant experience in fostering and encouraging such dialogue and accessing relevant expertise.

√ Other members of the donor/ international community