“The CNDH reports that its budgetary allocation has not been sufficient to ensure its effective operation. The CNDH further reports that its budget has, in the past, been decreased repeatedly. Further, the CNDH reports that disbursement of its budget has been slow, limiting its ability to effectively respond to issues as they arise. 

The SCA acknowledges that the CNDH reports that this situation has improved recently. 

It 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 realization of improvement in the NHRI’s operations and the fulfilment of its mandate. 

Provision of adequate funding by the State should, at a minimum, include the following: 

a) The allocation of funds for premises which are accessible to the wide community, including for persons, including for persons with disabilities. In certain circumstances, in order to promote independence and accessibility, this may require that offices are not co-located with government agencies. Where possible, accessibility should be further enhanced by establishing a permanent regional presence; 

b) Salaries and benefits awarded to staff comparable to those of civil servants performing similar tasks in other independent institutions of the State; 

c) Remuneration of members of the decision-making body (where appropriate); 

d) The establishment of a well-functioning communications system including telephone and internet; and 

e) The allocation of a sufficient amount of resources for mandated activities. Where the NHRI has been designated with additional responsibilities by the State, additional financial resources should be provided to enable it to assume the responsibilities of discharging these functions. 

Government funding should be allocated to a separate budget line applicable only to the NHRI. Such funding should be regularly released and in a manner that does not impact adversely on its functions, day-to-day management and retention of staff. 

The SCA encourages CNDH to continue to advocate for an appropriate level of funding to carry out its mandate.”