Global Alliance of National Human Rights institution (GANHRI) was once called the International Coordinating Committee (ICC) of National Human Rights establishments. Established in 1993, the ICC promotes and strengthens NHRIs to be in accordance with the Paris Principles, and provides leadership in the promotion and protection of human rights. It’s members officially adopted the new name Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) on 22 March 2016.

The International Coordinating Committee for National Human Rights Institutions (ICC) is the international association of national human rights institutions (NHRIs) from all parts of the globe.

GANHRI promotes the role of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) worldwide, providing a forum for its members to act and exchange, also facilitating their engagement with international organisations. 

 

Functions of GANHRI

  • It facilitates and supports the engagement of National Human Rights establishments with the United Nations Rights Councils and accord Bodies.
  • It encourages cooperation and data sharing among National Human Rights establishments.
  • Helps in capacity building together with the workplace of the high commissioner for Human Rights (OHCR).
  • Undertakes certification of National Human Rights establishments in accordance with Paris Principles and promotes the role of NHRIs inside the United Nations Organisation, with States and therefore the different international agencies.

 

Levels of GANHRI members:

  • “A” voting members: They’re the members that abide by totally with Paris Principle and might participate because the choice member in international and regional work and conferences of national establishments.
  • “B” Observer members: These members don’t suit the Paris Principles and haven’t submitted the specified documents.
  • “C” Non-members: They do not suit Paris Principles and don’t have any rights or privileges with International Coordinative Committee.

 

Paris Principles:

The United Nations Paris Principles provide the international benchmarks against which national human rights institutions (NHRIs) can be accredited by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI). They were adopted in 1993 by United Nations General Assembly which provides the international benchmarks for certification of NHRIs by GANHRIs.

According to the Paris Principles NHRIs want to:

  • Protect the human rights, as well as receiving, work and resolving complaints, mediating conflicts and watching activities.
  • Promote human rights through education, outreach, training and capacity building etc.

 

Note that:

The National Human Rights Commission has retained its ‘A’ status of accreditation with the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) for the fourth consecutive term of five years in February 2018. According to the Paris Principles, the human right commissions should have autonomy from government, independence guaranteed by a statute or constitution, pluralism, adequate resources; and adequate powers of investigation. The GANHRI found that NHRC, India perfect on all these counts to be given ‘A’ status of accreditation with it.