On 16–17 October 2024, a GANHRI delegation comprised of NHRIs from Denmark, Jordan, Kenya, and Morocco and the Head Office participated in the Tenth Glion Human Rights Dialogue (Glion X) in Marrakech, Morocco. The dialogue was focusing on “transforming universal norms into local reality,” national mechanisms for implementation, reporting, and follow-up (NMIRFs), and strengthening the UN human rights system’s effectiveness and on-the-ground impact.
Organized by Morocco’s Interministerial Delegation for Human Rights and the Universal Rights Group (URG), the retreat brought together states’ representatives, including NMIRFs, UN agencies and bodies, civil society, and NHRIs, to discuss best practices to improve human rights implementation at local level.
Key items of discussion included the structure, legal basis, and mandate of NMIRFs, along with their working methods and the use of technology for reporting and monitoring. The dialogue also featured exchanges on good practices and challenges faced by NMIRF in engaging with national and international stakeholders.
GANHRI recalled the state’s responsibility to implement international human rights obligations and commitments, highlighting the importance of adopting a whole-of-society approach. This approach involves the active and meaningful participation of all relevant stakeholders, supported by clear processes and strong coordination among actors. GANHRI also stressed the importance of a safe, enabling, and vibrant civic space that allows independent accountability actors to track progress, address violations and hold duty-bearers accountable.
Speaking at the event, Amina Bouayach, GANHRI’s Secretary and President of the National Human Rights Council of Morocco, said “NHRIs are essential actors in supporting the process of implementing international commitments at all stages and ensuring the effectiveness of human rights” and called on states to “continue strengthening a national human rights protection system within which each national actor can fully and effectively exercise their mandate.”
GANHRI highlighted the essential contributions of NHRIs and civil society to the establishment and effective functioning of NMIRFs. Such efforts include advising states on setting up NMIRFs, providing guidance to NMIRFs on reporting and evaluation processes, facilitating meaningful consultations, and offering technical support and capacity building to NMIRFs. In parallel, NHRIs, as independent institutions, together with civil society, play a critical role in ensuring accountability by independently monitoring NMIRFs’ work and its impact on human rights at both national and local levels.
GANHRI’s recommendations emphasized the importance of a clear understanding of the distinct nature, roles, and responsibilities of NHRIs and NMIRFs in their interactions. GANHRI also reiterated its call on states to continue to establish, strengthen, and protect NHRIs, in line with the Paris Principles, recognizing their role as vital actors for effective domestic implementation of human rights.
The Glion X culminated in the presentation of the Marrakech Guidance Framework (MGF), which compiles good practices and lessons learned from all regions for the establishment and development of effective NMIRFs.
GANHRI and members of its Caucus on Indigenous Peoples contributed to the 19th session of the United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP), in Geneva from 13 to 17 July, addressing issues such as the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and the approaching 20th anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The twentieth anniversary of the Human Rights Council marks a significant milestone for the international human rights system. Over two decades, its work has helped shape global norms, strengthen accountability, and provide a platform for dialogue between States and stakeholders, including NHRIs.
From 15 June to 10 July 2026, GANHRI together with its members will engage at HRC62 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.
GANHRI welcomes the statement by UN Special Rapporteurs expressing concern about the increasing attacks against NHRIs. The statement highlight the critical role NHRIs play in promoting and protecting human rights, including through their contributions to accountability, access to justice, and the effective functioning of democratic systems.