The SCA in previous sessions highlighted that the NCHR should not be required to obtain approval from the State for external sources of funding, as this requirement may detract from its independence. 

The SCA notes the response of the NCHR that it continues to engage the Parliament to ensure that it is not required to obtain approval before receiving external funding. Acknowledging the provisions of the draft amendment in Article 15 providing the NCHR with the ability to decide on the receipt of external funding and noting that to function effectively, an NHRI must be provided with an appropriate level of funding in order to guarantee its independence and its ability to freely determine its priorities and activities, the SCA recommends that the NCHR continue to advocate for the passage of the amendments in its present form.

The SCA refers to Paris Principle B.2 and to its General Observation 1.10 on ‘Adequate funding.’