“The enabling law vests the INCHR with the mandate to cooperate with regional and international human rights system. The SCA notes the INCHR’s reported intention to more actively engage with the international human rights system in coming years. 

The Paris Principles recognise that monitoring and engaging with the international human rights system, in particular the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms (Special Procedures and UPR) and the United Nations Human Rights Treaty Bodies, can be an effective tool for NHRIs in the promotion and protection of human rights domestically. 

Depending on existing domestic priorities and resources, effective engagement with the international human rights system may include: 

a) submitting parallel or shadow reports to the UPR, Special Procedure mechanisms and Treaty Bodies Committees; 

b) making statements during debates before review bodies and the Human Rights Council; 

c) assisting, facilitating and participating in country visits by United Nations experts, including special procedures mandate holders, treaty bodies, fact finding missions and commissions of inquiry; and 

d) monitoring and promoting the implementation of relevant recommendations originating from the human rights system. 

The SCA encourages the INCHR to engage wherever possible and in accordance with their own strategic priorities. In so doing, the SCA highlights that the INCHR should: 

– avail themselves of the assistance offered by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), which provides technical assistance and facilitates regional and international cooperation and exchanges among NHRIs; and 

– engage with GANHRI, NANHRI and other NHRIs, as appropriate.”