CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) has proposed downgrading the accreditation of India’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) from ‘A’ to ‘B’ status. This recommendation is based on concerns about the NHRC’s autonomy and its ability to effectively handle human rights violations. GANHRI, formed in 1993, plays a crucial role in strengthening and coordinating national human rights bodies globally.
About GANHRI
GANHRI acts as an umbrella body for National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) across the world. Registered under Swiss law, its Bureau comprises 16 members, representing the different global regions. The organisation partners closely with the UN Human Rights Office, which supports it as its secretariat. It hosts yearly meetings and international forums to address pressing global human rights issues.
NHRI Accreditation Process
Accreditation of NHRIs is conducted by GANHRI’s Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA). This sub-committee assesses institutions based on their adherence to the Paris Principles international benchmarks for independent and effective national human rights bodies. Each regional group is represented by one ‘A status’ NHRI on the SCA, with members serving renewable terms of three years. As of 2024, 88 NHRIs were classified as ‘A status’, reflecting full compliance, while 32 held ‘B status’, indicating partial adherence.
India’s NHRC Under Scrutiny
The SCA’s suggestion to downgrade India’s NHRC stems from long-standing concerns raised since 2023. Key issues flagged include excessive involvement of law enforcement personnel in investigations, insufficient diversity in commission membership, and limited action on persistent rights violations. Specifically, the SCA argued that reliance on police personnel may hinder impartial investigations, thereby weakening justice for victims.
Issues Of Independence And Representation
A core concern for the SCA was the NHRC’s perceived lack of independence from the Union government, particularly in the process of selecting commissioners. The panel also noted that only one of the current members is a woman, highlighting poor gender diversity. The SCA reiterated that a truly independent and representative NHRC is vital for effectively addressing human rights challenges.
Suggested Reforms
To address these issues, the SCA recommended amending the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA) to eliminate police-led investigations. It also advised the NHRC to improve transparency in its selection procedures and strengthen collaboration with civil society organisations. While the NHRC has taken steps to raise certain human rights issues, the SCA found these interventions inadequate in tackling systemic problems.
Grace Period For Corrective Action
The downgrade is not yet final. The NHRC has been given a one-year window to bring its practices into alignment with the Paris Principles. During this period, the commission is expected to present evidence of reform and reinforce its commitment to human rights protection in India.
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