International Coordinating Committee of National Human Rights Institutions

The International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (ICC) is a representative body of national human rights institutions from all parts of the globe.

Its aim is to assist in establishing and strengthening independent and effective NHRIs, which meet the international standards set out in the Paris Principles.

The ICC encourages joint activities and cooperation among NHRIs; organises international conferences; liaises with the United Nations and other international organisations; assists NHRIs under threat; and, where requested, assists governments to establish NHRIs.

The APF and our member institutions continue to make a significant contribution to the operations and human rights initiatives of the ICC.

The organisation is incorporated as a non-profit organisation under Swiss law. The ICC Statute, adopted in March 2009, sets out its objectives and how it operates.

Membership

NHRIs which comply fully with the Paris Principles – and which have been granted ‘A status’ by the ICC Bureau – are eligible to become voting members of the ICC and to hold governance positions.

NHRIs which only partially comply with the Paris Principles – and which have been granted ‘B status’ by the ICC Bureau – can participate in meetings of the ICC but are not eligible to vote or to hold governance positions.

ICC Bureau

The operations of the ICC are managed by ICC Bureau, which is comprised of representatives from each of the four regional groupings: Africa, Americas, Europe and the Asia Pacific.

Each regional grouping is represented by elected representatives from four ‘A status’ NHRIs. The APF is currently represented on the ICC Bureau by India, Jordan, Malaysia and New Zealand.

A key role of the ICC Bureau is to assess applications for membership of the ICC. It also reviews and determines the accreditation status of NHRIs, following a recommendation from the Sub-Committee on Accreditation.

In addition, the ICC Bureau collaborates with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), in particular the National Institutions and Regional Mechanisms Unit, to facilitate the participation of NHRIs in the UN Human Rights Council.

ICC meetings are usually held twice a year; the first in conjunction with the first quarter session of the UN Human Rights Council and the second in conjunction with one of the NHRI regional network’s meetings.

A meeting is also held in conjunction with the bi-annual ICC International Conference.

ICC International Conference

The ICC International Conference involves NHRIs, as well as representatives of United Nations agencies, international organisations and civil society.

The purpose of the International Conference is to strengthen cooperation between NHRIs, to discuss human rights issues of shared concern and to ensure follow-up at the national level.

Since 1991 the International Conference has been held every two years, alternating between Europe, the Americas, Africa and the Asia Pacific.

Office holders

The positions of ICC Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson are served on a rotational basis by representatives nominated by the four regional coordinating committees: Europe, Africa, the Americas and the Asia Pacific.

The current ICC Chairperson is Ms Rosslyn Noonan, representing the Asia Pacific.

Secretariat

The National Institutions and Regional Mechanisms Unit of the OHCHR acts as ICC Secretariat.

The ICC has a permanent representative in Geneva to support and facilitate the participation of NHRIs in the UN Human Rights Council and its human rights mechanisms.

Further information is available from the ICC website.