“The PCRS reports that it recruits staff in accordance with the procedure prescribed in the Law on Civil Servants. However, the PCRS has to obtain the approval of the committee of the National Assembly in charge of administrative and budgetary issues before recruiting new staff members. The SCA is concerned that this requirement may compromise the independence and financial autonomy of the PCRS.

NHRIs should be legislatively empowered to determine the staffing structure, the skills required to fulfil the Institution’s mandate, set other appropriate criteria (such as diversity), and select their staff in accordance with national law. Staff should be recruited according to an open, transparent and merit- based selection process that ensures pluralism. Such a process promotes the independence and effectiveness of, and public confidence in, the NHRI.”