“In March 2014 and March 2019, the SCA was concerned that eligibility for appointment as Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner is restricted to lawyers, which may unduly restrict the pluralism of the CHRAJ. Further, the SCA noted the gender imbalance in the staff complement of the CHRAJ.

The SCA acknowledges the response of the CHRAJ that it has always had a gender balance in its composition and taken steps to improve the pluralistic composition of its decision-making body and staff complement.

The SCA, however, reiterates that a diverse decision-making body facilitates a NHRI’s appreciation of, and capacity to engage on, all human rights issues affecting the society in which it operates and promotes the accessibility of the NHRI for all citizens.

The SCA encourages the CHRAJ to continue efforts to ensure gender balance in the composition of its staff at all levels.

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