Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions convenes Annual Meeting amidst pressures on international law and the multi-lateral system
More than 250 representatives from NHRIs, UN agencies, States and civil society will take part this week in the GANHRI Annual Meeting and Conference, from 10-12 March 2025 in Geneva.
“We are deeply alarmed by the pressures on international law and the multi-lateral system we are witnessing today. At this moment of global transformation, collaboration and strategic thinking is ever more essential for us to respond effectively to the complex challenges the world is facing today,” said GANHRI Chairperson Maryam Al Attiyah.
The Annual Conference on 12 March themed “The Human Rights of Women and Girls: Promoting Gender Equality and the Role of NHRIs,” will mark the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and offer an opportunity for NHRIs and partners to discuss progress made in implementing the Amman Declaration and Programme of Action, adopted by NHRIs at their 12th International Conference, in 2022. ,
This will include exploring:
- Innovative approaches to protecting and promoting gender equality,
- Strategies to counter global “gender pushbacks” and restrictive policies, and
- Approaches to ensure effective gender mainstreaming within NHRIs.
“Women everywhere continue to face significant discrimination, including limited economic opportunities, underrepresentation in political leadership, and restricted access to education,” Maryam Al Attiyah emphasized. “This conference is crucial in developing collaborative strategies to counter these persistent challenges including pushbacks on gender and women’s rights across all regions,” she added.
Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Jürg Lauber, President of the Human Rights Council, and UN Administrator will join the Chairperson in addressing the opening.
In following up to Human Rights Council Resolution 57/23, the Annual Meeting will also include two Knowledge Exchange Sessions providing platforms to share experiences and strategies on:
- The role of NHRIs in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities, addressing unique challenges they face and ensuring their full participation in society. Discussions will explore how NHRIs can effectively monitor implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), advocate for inclusive policies, and address intersectional discrimination.
- The NHRI accreditation process, aiming at addressing basic questions about the accreditation process, reflecting on good practices, identifying challenges and opportunities for improvements. It will also explore how the process can further support NHRIs and strengthen human rights globally
The gathering will also pause to commemorate two exceptional human rights defenders who recently passed away: Roseline Odede, Chairperson of Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, and Raafat Salha, Director of the Gaza and North Office at the Independent Commission for Human Rights of Palestine.
An outcome statement will be adopted, reaffirming commitments to women’s and girls’ human rights and guiding NHRIs in their domestic and collective efforts.