NHRIs share efforts to strengthen civic space amid global challenges
As civic space faces unprecedented challenges worldwide, national human rights institutions (NHRIs) from Colombia, Georgia, Mongolia, and Northern Ireland gathered to share both challenges and good practices in their respective contexts. The exchange took place at a side event hosted by GANHRI during the 60th Session of the Human Rights Council, and co-sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Ireland and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
A recent GANHRI survey confirmed that many institutions struggle with constrained mandates and shrinking resources. This pattern is further documented in the United Nations Secretary-General’s latest report, “Cooperation with the UN, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights,” which details intimidation and reprisals against those cooperating with the UN and provides recommendations for their protection.
Ambassador Noel White, Permanent Representative of Ireland, opened the event by stressing the urgency of cross-regional collaboration to protect civic space. He underlined that NHRIs, with their mandates under the Paris Principles, act as crucial bridges between states and civil society, especially in times of shrinking space.
Perspectives from NHRIs
Alyson Kilpatrick, GANHRI Secretary and Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, noted that NHRIs worldwide face mounting challenges, including political interference, budget cuts, restrictive legislation, digital threats and reprisals. Drawing on the experience of Northern Ireland, she highlighted the tightening restrictions on protest and funding cuts to charity, which has severely limited civil society’s ability to operate. Yet, she shared how innovative collaboration, such as podcasting initiatives, has built solidarity and demonstrated NHRIs resilience.
Chief Commissioner Sunjid Dugar from the National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia explained that while public mobilization remains strong, defenders continue to face restrictions and arrests. Since the adoption of Mongolia’s 2021 Law on the Legal Status of Human Rights Defenders, the Commission has processed more than 100 complaints and issued recommendations to authorities. The Commission also helped establish early-warning committees, including civil society representatives and human rights defenders, to facilitate dialogue and prevent tensions from escalating. Despite this progress, gaps remain in protections for assemblies, victims, and witnesses.
In a recorded message, Iris Marín Ortiz, Ombudsperson of the Defensoría del Pueblo of Colombia, described the country’s context of political polarization, electoral violence, and threats against human rights defenders. She emphasized a cross-institutional electoral pact signed by more than 100 institutions and 28 presidential candidates, designed to promote peaceful elections, alongside monitoring mechanisms and protective measures to counter disinformation and stigmatization.
From Georgia, the Public Defender’s Office representative, Tamar Gvaramadze, outlined an increasingly hostile environment for defenders and civil society resulting from restrictive legislation. In response, the institution has engaged in public advocacy, reported to international bodies and filed amicus curiae briefs. A key success was its advocacy against a Ministry of Justice policy requiring civil society organizations to disclose all beneficiaries.
Discussion and way forward
The discussion explored challenges NHRIs can face in maintaining credibility and independence in politically challenging environments, highlighting concerning situations in countries including Cameroon and Egypt.
The United Kingdom and the European Union reaffirmed their support for NHRIs as vital actors in protecting civic space.
Ambassador Noel White emphasized that challenges to civic space are global, stressing the need for adequately resourced and independent NHRIs, supported by strong regional and international cooperation.
Michael Camilleri of OHCHR’s Civic Space Unit closed the side event by underscoring the importance of documenting threats and attacks against human rights defenders and filling data gaps in monitoring civic space and Sustainable Development Goals indicators. He highlighted the rapid evolution of the digital sphere, pointing to both risks and new opportunities.
As civic space continues to evolve, GANHRI and its members remain committed to adapting, documenting and defending rights, while building resilient institutions that safeguard the dignity of all.
