“Article 13(r) – (s) of the OPC’S enabling law gives the institution the power to appoint a representative of the civil society organisation as a member of the Conseil d’Administration de l’Ecole de la Magistrature and the Conseil Supérieur du Pouvoir Judiciaire.

The SCA is concerned about reports of lack of cooperation and trust between the OPC and civil society organisations. CSOs also expressed concern about the lack of transparency in the process conducted by the OPC in appointing their representative to sit as a member of the Conseil Supérieur du Pouvoir Judiciaire.

The SCA underlines that regular and constructive engagement with all relevant stakeholders is essential for NHRIs to effectively fulfil their mandates and to contribute to the accessibility of the institution to all, including those who are geographically, politically or socially remote.

The SCA therefore encourages the OPC to further strengthen and formalise its working relations and cooperation with all CSOs and human rights defenders, including those of differing views.

The SCA refers to Paris Principles C(f) and (g) and to its General Observations 1.5 on “Cooperation with other human rights bodies.”