“The SCA welcomes the inclusion of Article 42 of the draft Law, which stipulates that the PCRS shall establish and maintain cooperation with civil society organizations.

The SCA acknowledges that the PCRS has provided information regarding its cooperation with civil society organizations in practice. The SCA encourages the PCRS to continue to enhance and formalize its working relationships and cooperation with the widest range of civil society organizations and human rights defenders.

The SCA is of the view that regular and constructive engagement with all relevant stakeholders is essential for NHRIs to effectively fulfil their mandate. Broad engagement with all stakeholders improves the effectiveness of an NHRI in implementing its mandate to promote and protect human rights by providing a better understanding of: the breadth of human rights issues across the state; the different impacts of such issues based on social, cultural, geographic, and other factors; gaps; priorities; and implementation strategies. NHRIs should develop, formalize, and maintain working relationships with other domestic institutions established for the promotion and protection of human rights, including civil society organizations.”