“The SCA in 2023 and 2019 had encouraged the NHRCN to advocate for amendments of its Law to ensure the following:
- A selection and appointment process that complies with the Paris Principles being broad, transparent and participatory
- Prevention of conflict of interest
- Financial autonomy to avoid the NHRCN requiring approval from the Ministry of Finance before accepting donor funding
- Tabling of reports directly before parliament rather than through the President
During its review in March 2025, the NHRCN reported that it continues to lead an amendment process that will address the above-mentioned issues within the Law. The NHRCN reported that following several consultations, an extensive draft has been submitted, in 2024, to the government for consideration and onward submission to the Parliament for enactment.
The NHRCN notes that the Law, when passed, will address the concerns of the SCA and ensure that the NHRCN is operating in a manner that complies with the Constitution creating a Federal State. According to the NHRCN, the amended Law will ensure a pluralistic composition with at least two women, include an explicit provision against conflict of interest and ensure that the selection and appointment process of commissioners are done in a broad, transparent and participatory manner.
The SCA notes the efforts being undertaken by the NHRCN to amend its Law to address the previous recommendations that will ensure it operates in compliance with the Paris Principles. The SCA therefore reiterates its previous concerns and urges the NHRCN to continue advocating for the amendment of its Law and engaging national authorities for enactment of a Law that guarantees the NHRCN compliance with the Paris Principles.
The SCA refers to Paris Principle A.2 and to its General Observations 1.1 on ‘The establishment of NHRIs’.”