APF pledges support for Poland’s Commissioner for Human Rights

Prof Dr Beate Rudolf,
Chairperson of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions,

I would like to express our deepest concern regarding the current threatening situation to Poland's Commissioner for Human Rights.

Bearing in mind that as an "A status" national human rights institution (NHRI), Poland's Commissioner for Human Rights is internationally recognised as an independent, impartial, pluralistic and accountable institution in promoting and protecting human rights in its country. With this regard, I would like to send assurance of our highest consideration to the Polish NHRI.

Independence is a core requirement for the effective operation of an NHRI, which requires the State to allocate adequate funding for it to carry out its mandate. It should be noted that threatening severe budget cuts is a huge step backwards in protecting and promoting human rights in any country.

In this respect, the PCHR plays, and will continue to play, an important role in promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, strengthening participation, in particular of civil society organizations, promoting the rule of law, developing and enhancing public awareness of those rights and fundamental freedoms, and contributing to the prevention of human rights violations and abuses.

By reaffirming solidarity with our colleagues, we should take every possible action to protect every NHRI. It is our duty to stand side by side and support such NHRIs when they are in jeopardy.

The APF would like to encourage GANHRI and all relevant stakeholders to support and to take appropriate actions to prevent any threats to the Commissioner for Human Rights.

Sincerely,

Bymabadorj Jamrsan
Chief Commissioner of the National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia
Chairperson of the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions