“The SCA notes that while the DPE reports that in practice, it meets with Parliament, relevant committees, and parliamentarians, there is no legal obligation on behalf of relevant State entities to formally respond to the DPE recommendations and conclusions.

In fulfilling its protection mandate, an NHRI must not only monitor, investigate, and report on the human rights situation in the country, it should also undertake rigorous and systematic follow-up activities to promote and advocate for the implementation on its recommendations and findings, and the protection of those whose rights were found to have been violated.

The SCA also encourages the DPE to take steps to encourage public authorities to respond to its recommendations in a timely manner, and to provide detailed information on practical and systematic follow-up action, as appropriate, to the NHRI’s recommendations.”