The Commission on Human Rights supports the UN General Assembly resolution during its 74th session calling for member states to recognise the importance of establishment and strengthening of national human rights institutions (NHRIs).
Given the mutually reinforcing nature of human rights and sustainable development, NHRIs across the globe play a unique role in realising the Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) through their mandate and actions to promote and protect human rights. Having fully independent A-status NHRI is an indicator for the realisation of SDG 16 on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. This emphasises the importance of NHRIs and their contribution to the 2030 Agenda.
Since 1999, the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines has maintained its A-status accreditation as it fully complies with the United Nations Paris Principles or the standards that set out the minimum requirements for NHRIs to be considered credible and to operate effectively. Out of 193 UN member states, only 79 countries have established NHRIs that are Paris Principles compliant.
States should safeguard the independence of NHRIs, ensure that they are not subjected to unreasonable budgetary limitations, and are protected from all forms of pressure or reprisal in connection with their mandates.
The CHR continues to engage with international human rights mechanisms in promoting and monitoring the implementation of the country’s human rights obligations. Collaborations with these bodies can take many forms, including assistance in investigations and joint advocacy for reform of legislations, policy and practices. This is crucial especially when all local remedies have been exhausted to address human rights violations.
The Commission believes that strong international solidarity among NHRIs is necessary in pushing for significant progress on a broad range of human rights issues being confronted at both the regional and global level, and in amplifying the pressure on UN member states to live up to their commitments on human rights and sustainable development.###