Strong, independent and engaged NHRIs are the basis of well-functioning democratic societies

Back Strong, independent and engaged NHRIs are the basis of well-functioning democratic societies

"Strong, independent and engaged National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) are the basis of well-functioning democratic societies, as they have an excellent understanding of human rights on the ground. Council of Europe Member States should therefore guarantee a broad mandate, inclusion in the participatory process and adequate funding for NHRIs", pointed out Karin Lukas, President of the European Committee of Social Rights at the High-level meeting ‘Recommendation on the development and strengthening of effective, pluralist and independent national human rights institutions’, held on 26 April 2021.

National Human Rights Institutions have become vital partners for the European Committee of Social Rights work in both the reporting system and the collective complaints procedure within the European Social Charter. “NHRIs can be bridge-builders between governments and civil society as they know extremely well the situation on the ground”, emphasised Karin Lukas. NHRIs provide data and evidence which help the Committee to assess possible violations of the Charter. On the other hand, the Committee’s comments and findings can strengthen the position of the NHRIs, increase the pressure on governments to introduce reforms and enable stakeholders to hold their states accountable.

The meeting, organised by the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions, brought together heads of European NHRIs with Council of Europe key actors, including civil society organisations. It explored avenues for further strengthening cooperation and support between the Council of Europe and NHRIs at national level, and for meaningful participation of NHRIs and ENNHRI in the Council of Europe, in follow-up of the adopted Recommendation.

Intervention by Karin Lukas, President of the European Committee of Social Rights

Recommendation CM/Rec(2021)1 of the Committee of Ministers to member States on the development and strengthening of effective, pluralist and independent national human rights institutions, adopted on 31 March 2021