Using national inquiries to promote systemic change
Staff from APF member institutions in South Asia recently met in Kerala, India, to develop strategies for running national inquiries on pressing rights issues.
National inquiries can engage communities on the issues that most concern them
Representatives of APF member institutions in South Asia recently came together to exchange ideas and develop strategies for running national inquiries into pressing human rights issues.
A total of 18 staff from the national human rights institutions (NHRIs) of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka took part in the week-long workshop, held in Kerala, India, from 14-19 November 2011.
It followed their participation in a four-week online training course, jointly presented by the APF and the Raoul Wallenberg Institute (RWI), which explored a number of practical issues involved in running an effective national inquiry, such as setting the terms of reference, collecting evidence, engaging the media, preparing an inquiry report and advocating for the inquiry’s recommendations.
The blended learning program was coordinated by Prof Chris Sidoti, from the APF, and Prof Brian Burdekin, from the RWI, both of whom have led national inquiries during their terms with the Australian Human Rights Commission.
As part of the workshop, participants were invited to identify a significant human rights issue on which their NHRI could undertake a national inquiry.
Afghanistan chose the subject of self-immolation of women for its inquiry; Nepal and Sri Lanka both identified the issue of torture (with the Sri Lankan proposal specifically focusing on the Western and Southern provinces of the country); Bangladesh selected the rights of indigenous peoples in the Chittagong Hill Track; India chose the impact of silicosis on the right to health; and the Maldives proposed the right to education for children with disabilities.
These presentations became the basis for a number of workshop activities, such as holding a mock public hearing and launching the findings and recommendations of the national inquiry.
Discussions also looked the experiences of other NHRIs in the Asia Pacific region that have conducted national inquiries, including examples of ‘good practice’ as well as challenges they experienced.
Following the workshop, participants agreed to further develop their proposals for a national inquiry and present them to their respective NHRIs for adoption.
“The discussions among participants during the workshop highlighted the impact that national inquiries can make in promoting broad systemic change on human rights issues,” said Suraina Pasha, APF Project Manager of Regional Training.
“They provide a powerful tool for investigating systemic discrimination and human rights violations, bringing about changes to law and practice, as well educating the broader community about the issues.”
The workshop was hosted by the National Human Rights Commission of India. Participants were formally welcomed by Justice Koshy, Chair of the Kerala State Human Rights Commission.
Date: 24 November 2011
