GANHRI Bureau convenes in Tbilisi to advance strategic priorities and strengthen NHRIs worldwide
Members of the Bureau of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) met in Tbilisi, Georgia, from 3 to 4 December 2025 to review progress on the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan and discuss key priorities in support of national human rights institutions (NHRIs) worldwide.
The meeting was hosted by the Public Defender’s Office of Georgia, bringing together Bureau members from across GANHRI’s four regions, along with representatives from the United Nations and regional network secretariats.
Framing discussions within the context of the UN’s 80th anniversary, GANHRI Chairperson Amina Bouayach emphasized that as multilateral frameworks face pressure, the role of NHRIs becomes more vital.
Reviewing progress and setting priorities
The Bureau received updates from Regional Chairpersons and partners from OHCHR and UNDP, identifying progress made, emerging trends, challenges, and priorities for the year ahead.
The GANHRI Head Office presented its progress report highlighting recent achievements including engagement across UN and other forums on business and human rights, civic space, climate, older persons’ rights and Indigenous Peoples’ rights, as well as completion of its torture prevention webinar series with the Association for the Prevention of Torture. Progress also included expanded strategic partnerships, enhanced communications, and steps toward greater financial sustainability.
GANHRI announced the successful completion of Phase 3 of the Strong NHRIs project in September 2025 and the European Commission’s approval of Phase 4 funding for 2025-2028, providing crucial support for capacity building and strategic coordination across all regions.
Members reviewed reports from the Finance Committee and Thematic Working Groups and endorsed workplans to guide GANHRI’s work in 2026.
Strengthening accreditation and protecting NHRIs
The Bureau received a comprehensive report from the GANHRI Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA) on its 46th session, which met in person in Geneva with UN regular budget funding, a direct result of GANHRI’s sustained advocacy.
The Bureau discussed accreditation-related policy matters and considered a range of country-specific questions, including the challenge submitted by the National Human Rights Commission of India. Bureau members reaffirmed their support for the work of the SCA, highlighting the importance of safeguarding and strengthening the credibility, consistency, and transparency of GANHRI’s accreditation system.
The Bureau also received updates on the ongoing review of the General Observations coordinated by GANHRI Head Office, underscoring its commitment to a rigorous and principled accreditation framework.
Strengthening NHRIs in challenging times
Bureau members reaffirmed GANHRI’s role in strengthening and safeguarding NHRIs particularly in the current global context. They emphasized the critical importance of the accreditation process in supporting NHRIs to work effectively and independently in accordance with the Paris Principles. This work was recognized in Human Rights Council Resolution 57/23, adopted unanimously in October 2024.
Bureau members thanked the Public Defender’s Office of Georgia for their warm hospitality and excellent organization of the meeting. They also expressed appreciation to the GANHRI Head Office, OHCHR, and partners for their continued support.
Members of the Bureau discussed the theme for the 2026 Annual Conference, with considerations centering on the role of NHRIs in protecting and promoting human rights in digital space. The next Bureau Meeting and Annual Conference will take place in Geneva from 30 March to 1 April 2026, as part of GANHRI’s Annual Meeting.
Photo credits: Public Defender’s Office of Georgia