“The SCA notes that information on language or ethnic minority status of staff of the FNHRI cannot be provided due to legal reasons. It also notes the information that the FNHRI hires staff through open and transparent competitions based on competence criteria and with due respect to the acts on equality and non-discrimination.

The SCA welcomes that the Ombudsman’s Office has in place a plan on non-discrimination and equality which encourages persons of different genders and from different minorities to apply for positions at the Ombudsman’s Office.

The SCA is of the view that diverse staffing facilitates the NHRI’s appreciation of, and capacity to engage on, all human rights issues affecting the society in which it operates and promotes the accessibility of the NHRI for all citizens. Pluralism refers to broader representation of national society and consideration must be given to ensuring pluralism in the context of gender, ethnicity, or minority status.

The SCA recommends that the FNHRI continue to take measures to ensure the broad representation of national society, including in the context of gender, ethnicity, or minority status, in its staffing.

The SCA refers to Paris Principle B.1 and to its General Observation 1.7 on ‘Ensuring pluralism of the NHRI’.”