“The GNCHR is composed of 20 members, with their alternates, nominated by 20 different institutions and appointed by the Prime Minister. Article 14 (3) of Law No 4780/2021 provides that, agencies entitled to nominate members of the GNCHR, shall select the right persons with transparency and in accordance with their specific rules of operation.

In practice, the GNCHR notes that it initiates the selection process by sending to each nominating entity a letter which informs of the requirement for the respective nomination process to be Paris Principles-compliant and include requirements to maximize the number of potential candidates from a wide range of societal groups, promote broad consultation and/or participation, and select members to serve in their own individual capacity rather than on behalf of the organization they represent, among other criteria.

The GNCHR also notes the obligation for all nominating authorities to fulfil the same appointment criteria, in that nominees must be experts with proven knowledge and experience in the field of protection and promotion of human rights.

The SCA is of the view that it is important to ensure the formalisation of a clear, transparent and participatory selection and appointment process of the NHRI’s decision-making body in relevant legislation, regulations or binding administrative guidelines, as appropriate.

The SCA notes the current practice of sending a letter instructing adherence to the Paris Principles in the selection process. However, the SCA recommends that the GNCHR advocate for the formalisation of a clear, transparent and participatory selection and appointment process of the NHRI’s decision-making body in relevant legislation, regulations or binding administrative guidelines, as appropriate. The SCA encourages the GNCHR to consider policy and/or administrative options which would allow it to provide guidance to nominating entities about their selection processes and the requirements of the Paris Principles.

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’.”