The selection and appointment process of the NCHR as enshrined in the current Act does not require the publication of vacancies nor uniform selection criteria for NCHR membership as noted by the SCA during its review of the NCHR in October 2024.

The SCA notes that the draft amendment of the NCHR law in Article 3(4) states that members of the NCHR shall be appointed by Presidential Decree upon nominations submitted by independent bodies whose selection criteria shall be specified in implementing regulations.

The SCA takes into consideration the ongoing advocacy of the NCHR to ensure its selection and appointment process complies with the Paris Principles through an amendment of its enabling law and further notes that the draft does not require the publication of vacancies.

The SCA notes that a clear, transparent and participatory selection and appointment process which promotes merit-based selection and ensures pluralism, is necessary to ensure the independence of and public confidence of an NHRI. The SCA encourages the NCHR to continue to advocate for appropriate amendments to its enabling legislation, including the requirement for broad advertisement and publication of vacancies.The SCA refers to Paris Principle B.1 and to its General Observation 1.8 on ‘Selection and appointment of the decision-making body of NHRIs’.