The third-party information alleged that the DPV’s reports to the international human rights system lack data, verifiable sources, critical analysis.

While acknowledging the DPV´s engagement with the international human rights system, the SCA is of the view that NHRIs must maintain their independence and, where they have the capacity to provide information to human rights mechanisms, do so in their own right.

The SCA has become aware of publicly available information indicating the lack of interaction of the DPV with regional human rights mechanisms, including the Inter-American System of Human Rights.

The SCA is of the view that NHRI engagement with international bodies is an important dimension of their work. Through their participation, NHRIs connect the national human rights enforcement system with international and regional human rights bodies. Moreover, NHRI participation in regional and international coordination bodies serves to reinforce their independence and effectiveness, overall.

The SCA refers to Paris Principles A.3(d) and A.3(e), and to its General Observation 1.4 on ‘Interaction with the international human rights system’.