“The SCA, in previous sessions, encouraged the NHRC to take additional steps to ensure that it engages in ongoing, constructive dialogue and cooperation with civil society and human rights defenders and that this should include regular and ongoing modes of collaboration outside of the Core/Expert Groups and address pressing human rights issues facing human rights defenders. 

The SCA, at its 45^th session considered several submissions from civil society actors alleging lack of cooperation from the NHRC. The NHRC informed the SCA that it has constructive engagement and cooperation with civil society and human rights defenders and that the lack of adequate engagement with civil society and lack of engagement on pressing human rights issues is based on the input of very few NGOs as India has over 3.3 million registered NGOs.

The SCA highlighting its previous concerns and noting the information before it continues to be of the view that the extensive information from various civil society organizations indicate that the relationship between the NHRC and civil society is not effective or constructive, particularly with respect to ongoing dialogue and follow-up on issues raised. 

The SCA therefore reiterates that regular and constructive engagement with all relevant stakeholders is essential for NHRIs to effectively fulfil their mandates.

The SCA, restating its previous recommendation, encourages the NHRC to take additional steps to ensure that it engages in ongoing, constructive dialogue and cooperation with civil society and human rights defenders and that this should include regular and ongoing modes of collaboration outside of the Core/Expert Groups and address pressing human rights issues facing human rights defenders.

The SCA refers to Paris Principle C(g) and to its General Observation 1.5 on ‘Cooperation with other human rights bodies’.”