“Encouraging ratification of, or accession to regional and international human rights instruments, and the effective implementation of international instruments to which the state is a party, is a key function of an NHRI. The Paris Principles further prescribe that NHRIs should promote and encourage the harmonization of national legislation, regulations and practices with these instruments. The SCA considers it important that these duties form an integral part of the enabling legislation of an NHRI.

In fulfilling this function, the NHRI is encouraged to undertake activities which may include the following:

While acknowledging that the DPP reports to undertake these functions in practice, the SCA encourages it to advocate for an explicit mandate to encourage ratification of or accession to regional and international human rights instruments.”