“The EHRC is not explicitly mandated to encourage ratification of, and accession to, regional and international human rights instruments.

The SCA notes that Article 6(5) of Proclamation no. 210/2000 (the Proclamation) mandates the EHRC to make recommendations for the revision of existing laws, enactment of new laws and formulation of policies. The SCA acknowledges that the EHRC interprets this provision broadly and that, on this basis, it undertakes the function of encouraging ratification in practice.

The SCA notes that encouraging ratification of, or accession to international human rights instruments, and the effective implementation of international human rights instruments to which the State is a party, is a key function of an NHRI. The SCA considers it important that these duties form an integral part of the enabling legislation of an NHRI.

The SCA encourages the EHRC to advocate for appropriate amendments to its enabling legislation to include an explicit mandate to encourage ratification of/accession to international human rights instruments. The EHRC is not explicitly mandated to encourage ratification of, and accession to, regional and international human rights instruments.”