“The IHCHR reported that it engages and cooperates with civil society organisations through workshops and seminars. The IHCHR reports that the Minister of Justice as head of the institution has organized various activities for engagements with civil society organizations.

The SCA highlights that regular and constructive engagement with all relevant stakeholders is essential for NHRIs to fulfil their mandates effectively. The SCA notes that the character and identity of an NHRI shall serve to distinguish it from both government bodies and civil society. As independent, pluralistic institutions, NHRIs can play an important role in protecting and promoting human rights.

The SCA encourages the IHCHR to further develop, formalize and maintain working relationships, as appropriate, with other domestic institutions established for the promotion and protection of human rights, including civil society organizations.

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