Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI)

Why in News ? The Geneva-based Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions’ (GANHRI) Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA) has recommended downgrading the status of India’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) from ‘A’ to ‘B’ category.

• This recommendation marks the first-ever downgrade in NHRC’s history since its establishment in 1993.

2. Reasons for Downgrade Recommendation

• Impartiality Concerns: Involvement of police officers in human rights investigations raises questions about impartiality and potential conflicts of interest.

• Government Interference: The capacity of the government to appoint a senior civil servant as NHRC secretary general undermines the body’s independence.

• Transparency in Selection Process: Lack of a transparent and pluralistic process for selecting NHRC members.

• Shrinking Civic Space: NHRC has not adequately addressed issues like shrinking civic space, targeting of human rights defenders, journalists, and perceived critics.

3. Concerns Raised by the SCA

• Independence: The NHRC’s independence and effectiveness have not been sufficiently maintained, contravening the Paris Principles.

• Investigation Process: The use of government-seconded police officers for investigations compromises NHRC’s ability to conduct impartial inquiries.

• Pluralism: Lack of gender and regional diversity among NHRC members and staff.

• Vacancies: Two out of six commissioner positions remain vacant as of March 2025.

4. NHRC’s Defense

• The NHRC dismissed the SCA’s concerns about police officer involvement as “unfounded and unjustified.”

• It defended its current structure and investigative processes, emphasizing that they ensure impartiality and effectiveness.

5. Paris Principles Compliance

• The NHRC must conform to the Paris Principles, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1993, to maintain its ‘A’ status.

• These principles require national human rights institutions to be independent, transparent, and pluralistic.

6. Pluralism and Gender Representation

• The SCA flagged inadequate representation of women and diverse groups within NHRC’s composition.

• Current statistics: 93 women out of 339 total staff, but a disproportionate 246 men.

• Senior leadership gender representation remains unclear.

7. Deficiencies in Addressing Human Rights Issues

• Press Freedom: Alleged failure to address declining press freedom and provide follow-up in significant human rights cases.

• Targeting of Critics: NHRC’s silence on systemic violations, such as detentions under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

 About Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI):

Overview

The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) is an international body that represents and supports National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) worldwide. Established in 1993, it plays a pivotal role in promoting and protecting human rights in accordance with the Paris Principles, which set the standards for NHRIs.

Key Objectives:

• Strengthen the capacity and independence of NHRIs globally.

• Ensure compliance with the Paris Principles (adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1993).

• Facilitate cooperation and knowledge exchange among NHRIs.

• Act as a bridge between NHRIs, the United Nations, and other international organizations.

Headquarters:

GANHRI is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and works closely with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Membership:

• GANHRI has over 120 members.

• Members are categorized into:

  • ‘A’ Status: Fully compliant with the Paris Principles.

  • ‘B’ Status: Partially compliant with the Paris Principles.

Structure:

1. General Assembly:

   • The supreme decision-making body.

   • Comprised of all GANHRI members.

2. Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA):

   • Evaluates and accredits NHRIs based on their