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 reiterates its 2021 recommendation and encourages the IHREC to advocate for the formalization and application of a process that ensures broad participation of civil society in the selection and appointment process and the assessment of applicants on the basis of pre-determined and objective criteria. 

The SCA refers to Paris Principles B.1 and to its General Observation 1.8 on ‘Selection and appointment of the decision-making body of NHRIs.’