Role of NHRIs’ opinions and recommendations in protecting and promoting human rights

CNDH President, Mr. Driss El Yazami, took part on November 8 in a panel on the role of NHRIs’ opinions and recommendations in the protection and promotion of human rights.

The panel was held on the sidelines of the 20th anniversary of the Paris Principles, celebrated by the Francophone Association of National Human Rights Commissions, currently chaired by CNDH. It was organized by the French Conseil national des barreaux, at its headquarters in Paris, in partnership with the National Consultative Commission on Human Rights (France), and with the support of the International Organization of La Francophonie and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mr. El Yazami indicated that the opinions, recommendations and reports of NHRIs can play a crucial role in the protection and promotion of human rights and the consolidation of democracy and the rule of law. He stated that quality and objectivity are conditions all NHRIs should observe. These institutions must work with all stakeholders (government, parliament, national and international NGOs, human rights defenders...) but should keep a “just distance”.

CNDH President called for a strengthened legal framework of the NHRIs, in full compliance with the Paris Principles, resources and capacity building, for these institutions to be able to contribute effectively in the consolidation of democracy, peace, the rule of law and the protection and respect for the rights of all citizens.

In a business lunch at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Paris, Mr. El Yazami had called on the International Organization of la Francophonie and the ministers and ambassadors of the French-speaking communities to encourage the establishment of national human rights institutions in countries that do not yet have one. I urge you to recommend and contribute to strengthening the independence of the already existing NHRIs, particularly through capacity building and resources, he concluded.