Members of the Bureau of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) met in Doha, Qatar, from 26 to 28 November to review implementation of the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan and discuss key priorities and upcoming activities in support of national human rights institutions worldwide. 

The meeting was hosted by GANHRI Chairperson Maryam Al Attiyah, bringing together 16 member institutions, as well as representatives from the United Nations and regional network secretariats.  

The meeting received and discussed updates from the GANHRI Chairperson, Regional Chairpersons, and GANHRI’s Head Office, identifying progress made, trends and challenges, and priorities for the year ahead. The Bureau also received reports from its Finance Committee and Thematic Working Groups, as well as a report from the GANHRI Sub Committee on Accreditation on its activities in reviewing national human rights institutions (NHRIs) with reference to the United Nations Paris Principles, and related policy development.  

Partners from the UN Human Rights Office and UNDP also offered updates on support and collaboration with NHRIs.  

Discussions included reflections on governance adaptation and forthcoming elections of the new Chairperson and Secretary, by GANHRI’s General Assembly in March 2025.  

GANHRI Bureau members decided that the theme for the 2025 Annual Conference will be gender equality and women’s rights and the role of NHRIs. The Annual Conference will take place as part of GANHRI’s Annual Meeting, which will take place in Geneva from 10-12 March 2025, and will be co-hosted by GANHRI and the UN Human Rights Office.   

Amidst a continuing challenging context for human rights and for NHRIs and others working to defend rights, the Bureau highlighted GANHRI’s unique role in strengthening and safeguarding NHRIs, so they can effectively improve people’s lives. 

Bureau members reaffirmed the critical contributions of the accreditation process, supporting NHRIs to undertake this work effectively and in full independence as required by the minimum standards set out in the United Nations Paris Principles. This strengthens both the credibility of NHRIs and their capacity to effectively promote and protect human rights.  

 This vital work was recognized most recently in Resolution 57/23, adopted unanimously in October 2024, and in previous resolutions of the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly.  

“This is a time of immense challenge for NHRIs and others working to uphold human rights. As a Global Alliance, we will continue to demonstrate strong and consistent leadership in our advocacy for human rights, in our support to our members, as well as to build and strengthen the strategic partnerships and coalitions necessary to realize them in practice.” said GANHRI Chairperson Maryam Al Attiyah.

Bureau members thanked the GANHRI Chairperson and her team of the NHRI of Qatar for their warm welcome, hospitality, and the excellent organization of the meeting. They also thanked the GANHRI Head Office, the OHCHR and the support received from NHRI.EU for hosting this meeting.  

The next Bureau Meeting will take place in Geneva, as part of the GANHRI 2025 Annual Meeting from 10 to 12 March 2025.