“The SCA recognizes that monitoring and engaging with the international human rights system, in particular the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms (Special Procedures and Universal Periodic Review) and the United Nations Human Rights Treaty Bodies, can be an effective tool for NHRIs in the promotion and protection of human rights domestically. 

The SCA highlights that effective engagement with the international human rights system may include: 

– submitting parallel or shadow reports to the Universal Periodic review, Special Procedures mechanisms and Treaty Bodies; 

– making statements during debates before review bodies and the Human Rights Council; 

– assisting, facilitating and participating in country visits by United Nations experts, including special procedures mandate holders, treaty bodies, fact finding missions and commissions of inquiry; and 

– monitoring and promoting the implementation of relevant recommendations originating from the human rights system. 

While it is appropriate for governments to consult with NHRIs in the preparation of a state’s reports to human rights mechanisms, NHRIs should neither prepare the country report nor should they report on behalf of the government. NHRIs must maintain their independence and, where they have the capacity to provide information to human rights mechanisms, do so in their own right. NHRIs should not participate as part of a government delegation during the Universal Periodic Review, during periodic reviews before the Treaty Bodies, or in other international mechanisms where independent participation rights for NHRIs exist. Where independent participation rights for NHRIs do not exist in a particular fora and an NHRI chooses to participate in proceedings as part of a state delegation, the manner of their participation must clearly distinguish them as an independent NHRI. 

In considering its engagement with the international human rights system, the CNDH is encouraged to actively engage with the OHCHR, GANHRI, NANHRI, and other NHRIs, as well as international and national NGOs and civil society organizations.”