The SCA notes the work the OPC has undertaken to address key human rights violations, through engaging with the actors of the justice and correction chain, the Government including on the rights of persons detained, women and children’s rights in detention centres, and arbitrary detention. 

NHRIs, as independent and impartial bodies, play a particularly important role by investigating allegations of violations promptly, thoroughly and effectively. As such, NHRIs will be expected to promote and ensure respect for human rights, democratic principles and strengthening the rule of law in all circumstances without exception. This may include issuing public statements and releasing regular and detailed reports through the media in a timely manner to address urgent human rights violations. 

The SCA encourages the OPC to continue and further expand its protection of human rights activities and public reporting on issues such as extrajudicial killings, self-justice and police violence, and to conduct follow-up activities to monitor the extent to which its recommendations have been implemented. 

The SCA refers to Paris Principle A.3, to its General Observations 1.2 ‘Human Rights mandate’, 1.6 ‘Recommendation by NHRIs’ and 2.5 ‘NHRIs during the situation of a coup d’état or a state of emergency’.