“The PA’s protection mandate does not encompass the acts or omissions of private entities. The PA reports that it interprets its mandate as including public functions exercised by private entities, and that it accepts complaints and develops recommendations to relevant state organs in such situations. An NHRIs’ mandate should be interpreted in a broad, liberal and purposive manner to promote a progressive definition of human rights which includes all rights set out in international, regional and domestic instruments. The SCA emphasizes that the mandate of an NHRI should extend to the acts and omissions of both the public and private sectors.

While recognizing that the PA does interpret its mandate broadly as noted above, the SCA encourages the PA to advocate for a broader mandate that includes the ability to address all human rights violations resulting from the acts and omissions of private entities.”