Foundation course for staff of NHRIs

Less than 20 NHRIs were in existence when the Paris Principles – the international benchmark for independent and effective national human rights institutions (NHRIs) - were developed at a ground-breaking conference in 1991. Today, there are more than 110 NHRIs operating across the globe.

This rapid growth reflects the recognition, among governments and the international community, of the enormous contribution that NHRIs make in their respective countries.

NHRIs occupy a unique place in the national human rights framework. They are established by government, but they operate independently from government.

Independent and effective NHRIs can be powerful agents for change.

The Foundation Course for Staff of National Human Rights Institutions aims to introduce participants to the:

• Origin, mandate and concept of NHRIs
• Paris Principles
• Advisory role of NHRIs
• Educational role of NHRIs
• Monitoring role of NHRIs
• Complaint handling role of NHRIs
• Role of NHRIs to cooperate with national stakeholders
• Role of NHRIs to engage with the international human rights system.

The course is provided for staff of APF member institutions.