“The CBDH reports that six regional branches have been operational since December 2021. The CBDH plans to open additional branches in order to cover the 11 departments of the country.

The SCA emphasizes that, to function effectively, an NHRI must be provided with an appropriate level of funding in order to guarantee its ability to freely determine its priorities and activities. In particular, adequate funding should, to a reasonable degree, ensure the gradual and progressive realization of improvement in the NHRI’s operations and the fulfilment of its mandate.

Provision of adequate funding by the State should, at a minimum, include the following:

a) The allocation of funds for premises, which are accessible to the wide community, including for persons with disabilities. In certain circumstances, in order to promote independence and accessibility, this may require that offices are not co-located with government agencies. Where possible, accessibility should be further enhanced by establishing a permanent regional presence;

b) Salaries and benefits awarded to staff comparable to those of civil servants performing similar tasks in other independent institutions of the State;

c) Remuneration of members of the decision-making body (where appropriate);

d) The establishment of a well-functioning communications system including telephone and internet; and

e) The allocation of a sufficient amount of resources for mandated activities. Where an NHRI has been mandated with additional responsibilities by the State, it must be provided with additional financial resources to enable it to assume the responsibilities of discharging these functions.

The SCA encourages the CBDH to continue to advocate for an appropriate level of funding to carry out its mandate effectively and independently. This includes appropriate funding to maintain the existing regional branches, as well as expanding into every region of the country. ”