“The OPA reports that its present budget is not sufficient to carry out its mandate, despite having received budgetary increases for the past three years. The SCA notes that, in addition to its mandate as an NHRI, the OPA has been designated as the NPM under OPCAT. 

The SCA emphasizes that, to function effectively, an NHRI must be provided with an appropriate level of funding in order to guarantee its independence and its ability to freely determine its priorities and activities. It must also have the power to allocate funding according to its priorities. In particular, adequate funding should, to a reasonable degree, ensure the gradual and progressive realisation of the improvement of the Institution’s operations and the fulfilment of its mandate. 

The SCA emphasizes that, where an NHRI has been mandated with additional responsibilities, such as designation as the NPM, it must be provided with the adequate funding to effectively fulfil these duties. 

The SCA encourages the OPA to continue to advocate for adequate funding to effectively carry out its mandate, including that as the NPM.”