The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) of Pakistan has been accredited as an A-status National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), the largest network of national human rights institutions in the world.
GANHRI reviews national NHRIs to ensure they operate in accordance with the UN Principles on National Institutions, known as the Paris Principles. These principles set the standards for commissions to be internationally credible and effective. Once a commission proves its compliance with the Paris Principles, it can seek accreditation and join GANHRI.
Despite the rarity of achieving A-status on the first attempt, Pakistan’s NCHR has been accredited with this highest grade in its first try. It is also the only country to attain new A-status in this year’s session. This status grants NCHR a seat at the Human Rights Council and other UN bodies, marking a historic first for Pakistan.
Previously, Pakistan’s commission could only act as an observer but now will have a voice at the table. NCHR Pakistan joins the ranks of the United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, and France as an A-status NHRI, according to a press release issued on Saturday.
The Chairperson of NCHR, Rabiya Javeri Agha, expressed pride in securing A-status accreditation and thanked members, the team, civil and international partners such as UNDP for their support.
