“The HRDA informed the SCA that its staff complement has a diverse representation in terms of gender and that it is taking steps towards improving the representation of national minorities as well as persons with disabilities in its staffing.

The SCA reiterates that pluralism and diversity in the membership and staff of an NHRI facilitates its appreciation of, and capacity to engage on all human rights issues affecting the society in which it operates. In addition, it promotes the accessibility of the NHRI.

The SCA recommends that the HRDA continue taking steps to ensure a pluralistic staff and advocating for pluralism, including minority representation, in its composition. The SCA further notes that ensuring pluralism through staff that are representative of the diverse segments of society is particularly relevant for single member NHRIs, such as Ombuds institutions.

The SCA refers to Paris Principle B.1 and to its General Observation 1.7 on ‘Ensuring pluralism of the NHRI’.”