“The SIHR notes that while it has received adequate funding for the initial years and the establishment of its activities, the funding appropriation needs to be increased for the further development of its statutory activities. Further, the process by which the Government processes and responds to the Institute’s budget requests requires clarification. The SCA is of the view that adequate funding should, to a reasonable degree, ensure the gradual and progressive realisation of the improvement of the NHRI’s operations and fulfilment of its mandate.

The SCA recommends that the SIHR continue to advocate for a progressive increase in funding, in line with the inquiry preceding the establishment of the SIHR, to ensure it is enabled to carry out the full breadth of its mandate, engage with marginalised groups and communities, including in regional and remote areas, and to increase its staff complement.

The SCA also encourages that the SIHR continues to engage with government on the way it processes and responds to the institute’s budget request and protects it from disproportionate budget cuts.

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