“The CAHR informed the SCA about the establishment of a Human Rights Advisory Committee to promote formal cooperation with civil society and to enhance the visibility of the CAHR. The CAHR reports that they are in the process of appointing members of the Human Rights Advisory Committee, which will include civil society organizations working on the promotion and protection of the rights of the LGBTI community, persons with disabilities, women, and other groups. 

 The SCA emphasizes that regular and constructive engagement of all relevant stakeholders is essential for NHRIs to effectively fulfil their mandates, and contribute to the accessibility of the institution for all, including those who are geographically, politically or socially remote. NHRIs should develop, formalize and maintain working relationships as appropriate with other domestic institutions, as well as civil society and non-governmental organizations. Broad engagement with all stakeholders improves the effectiveness of an NHRI in implementing its mandate to promote and protect human rights by providing a better understanding of the breadth of human rights issues across the state; the different impact of such issues based on social, cultural, geographic and other factors; gaps; priorities; and implementation strategies. 

 The SCA therefore recommends the CAHR to ensure that the Human Rights Advisory Committee is functional and urges the CAHR to continue to enhance and formalize its working relationships and cooperation with a wide range of civil society organizations and human rights defenders, including those working on the rights of vulnerable groups.”