“The enabling Law does not require that the membership and staff be representative of diverse segments of society. The SCA notes that DHCR has indicated that, in the staff recruitment process, pluralism and diversity are taken into consideration and that efforts are being made to ensure that LGBT, Afro-descendants, indigenous peoples and other minority groups are represented within DHCR’s staff. 

The SCA emphasizes that diversity in the membership and staff of an NHRI facilitates its appreciation of, and capacity to engage on, all human rights issues affecting the society in which it operates. In addition, it promotes the accessibility of the NHRI for all citizens. 

A diverse decision-making and staff body facilitates the NHRI’s appreciation of, and capacity to engage on, all human rights issues affecting the society in which it operates and promotes the accessibility of the NHRI for all citizens. 

Pluralism refers to broader representation of national society. Consideration must be given to ensuring pluralism in the context of gender, ethnicity, or minority status. This includes, for example, ensuring the equitable participation of women in the NHRI. 

The SCA notes there are diverse models for ensuring the requirement of pluralism in the composition of the NHRI as set out in the Paris Principles. For example: a) Pluralism through procedures enabling effective cooperation with diverse societal groups, for example advisory committees, networks, consultations or public forums; or b) Pluralism through staff that are representative of the diverse segments of society. This is particularly relevant for single member Institutions, such as an Ombudsperson.  

The SCA reiterates its recommendation from 2016 that the DHCR advocates for the inclusion in its enabling Law of provisions requiring pluralism, including in its staff.  

The SCA refers to Paris Principles B.1 and to its General Observation 1.7 on ‘Ensuring pluralism of the NHRI’.”