“The CNDH reports that, in practice, the call for applications is made public by the Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights and posted on the websites of CNDH and the network of NGOs. In addition, it reports that each designating entity elects the members during their respective general assembly.
The SCA is of the view that providing for the different entities to select members according to their respective rules of procedure may result using different selection processes, while a consistent, transparent, merit-based, and broadly consultative selection process should be used across all of the entities.
It is critically important to ensure the formalization of a clear, transparent and participatory selection and appointment process for an NHRI’s decision-making body in relevant legislation, regulations or binding administrative guidelines, as appropriate. A process that promotes merit-based selection and ensures pluralism is necessary to ensure the independence of, and public confidence in, the senior leadership of an NHRI.”
The SCA encourages the CNDH to advocate for the formalization and application of a uniform process that includes requirements to:
- Publicize vacancies broadly;
- Maximize the number of potential candidates from a wide range of societal groups and educational qualifications;
- Promote broad consultation and/ or participation in the application, screening, selection and appointment process;
- Assess applicants on the basis of pre-determined, objective and publicly-available criteria; and
- Select members to serve in their individual capacity rather than on behalf of the organization they represent.