“The SCA highlights that regular and constructive engagement with all relevant stakeholders is essential for NHRIs to effectively fulfil their mandates. In this regard, the SCA welcomes the advice from SUHAKAM that it recognizes the crucial role of civil society organizations (CSOs) and non governmental organizations (NGOs) in promoting and protecting human rights, and that it has intensified its engagement and cooperation with CSOs and NGOs in various ways.

The SCA reiterates that NHRIs should maintain working relationships, as appropriate, with other domestic institutions established for the promotion and protection of human rights, including civil society and non-governmental organizations.”