The National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) has made history by participating as an “Observer” in the Annual Meeting of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), which is currently being held in Geneva from 14th to 16th March. The meeting coincides with the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the “Paris Principles,” which provide the framework and guidance for the work of national human rights institutions, and the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
As an independent institution, NHRI is dedicated to improving and developing practical measures to achieve the highest standards of response to international priorities and obligations in the field of human rights and public freedoms through promoting the human rights and humanitarian approach, basic rights and freedoms, respect for the rule of law, guaranteeing justice, and equality and non-discrimination between all. This is NHRI’s first participation in this global event.
During the meetings hosted by the “Asia Pacific Forum” on Tuesday, Maqsoud Kruse, Chairperson of NHRI, highlighted the importance of participating in these meetings and expressed his institution’s willingness to cooperate and exchange expertise in human rights best practices with other national human rights institutions. These meetings offer an important opportunity to enhance human rights cooperation at the level of national human rights institutions.
NHRI is attending the meetings as an observer, and participating in the Asia Pacific Forum’s meetings. The participating delegation was headed by Maqsoud Kruse and included Fatima Al Kaabi, Deputy Chairperson, Mohamed Al Hammadi, Head of the Civil and Political Rights Committee; Ameirah Al Seraidi, Head of the Economic, Social, Cultural and Environmental Rights Committee; Maryam Al Ahmadi, Head of the International Relations and Non-Governmental Organisations Committee; Dr. Ahmed Al Mansoori, Head of the Promotion of Human Rights Culture Committee; Dr. Zayed Al Shamsi Head of the Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee; in addition to Dr. Saeed Al Ghfeli, Secretary-General of the NHRI, and Fajr Al Haidan, Head of the Executive Affairs Section at the Chairperson Office.
The NHRI’s participation in this annual meeting is significant because it enables them to learn from and share their experiences with other national human rights institutions from around the world. By observing and participating in discussions, NHRI can also learn about international best practices and emerging trends in the field of human rights.
The Paris Principles, which were adopted in 1993, provide a framework for the establishment and operation of independent national human rights institutions. These principles outline the minimum standards that institutions must meet in order to be accredited by the United Nations as compliant with the Paris Principles. The principles emphasize the need for institutions to be independent, impartial, pluralistic, adequately resourced, and able to cooperate with civil society organizations and other stakeholders.
NHRI’s participation in this global event highlights their commitment to upholding these principles and promoting the highest standards of response to international priorities and obligations in the field of human rights and public freedoms. By participating in the annual meeting of GANHRI, NHRI is demonstrating its dedication to promoting the human rights and humanitarian approach, basic rights and freedoms, respect for the rule of law, guaranteeing justice, and equality and non-discrimination between all.
