“The existing enabling legal framework is silent with regard to the pluralism and diversity of members of the AOB Board.

While the SCA notes that the recruitment of AOB’s members is based on merit and a professional background in maladministration and human rights, the SCA was not provided with evidence of provisions or practices that ensure ethnic, geographic, religious, and minority representation.

The SCA further notes that, at present, all the three AOB members are men. The SCA emphasizes that pluralism refers to broader representation of national society. Consideration must be given to ensuring pluralism in the context of gender, ethnicity, geographic, and minority status. This includes, for example, ensuring the equitable participation of women in the NHRI. This facilitates its appreciation of, and capacity to engage on, all human rights issues affecting the society in which it operates. In addition, it promotes the accessibility of the NHRI.

The SCA encourages the AOB to take steps to ensure pluralism in its membership and staff composition. The SCA further notes that ensuring pluralism through staff that are representative of the diverse segments of society is particularly relevant for single member NHRIs, such as an Ombudsperson”