“The NHRC informs that it is an observer member of the Mauritius National Mechanism for Reporting and Follow-up (NMRIF) mandated to coordinate and prepare reports to and engage with international and regional human rights mechanisms. The NHRC also informs that it contributes to the State reports to Treaty Bodies while it has not submitted parallel reports to the Treaty Bodies.

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

The SCA reiterates the importance for the NHRC to engage with the international human rights system independently of government. This may include:

– submitting parallel or shadow reports to the Universal Periodic review, Special Procedures mechanisms and Treaty Bodies;

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

– 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

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

The SCA encourages the NHRC to engage effectively and independently with the international human rights systems.”