“The law does not explicitly mandate the PA to encourage ratification or accession to international human rights instruments. The SCA acknowledges that the PA interprets its mandate broadly and makes recommendations in this regard, and it encourages the PA to continue to do so.

The SCA is of the view that encouraging ratification of, or accession to, international human rights instruments, and the effective implementation of those instruments to which the State is a party, are key functions 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 therefore considers it important that these duties form part of the enabling legislation of an NHRI.

The SCA encourages the PA to continue interpreting its mandate in a broad manner and to advocate for the appropriate amendments to its enabling law to provide it with an explicit mandate to encourage ratification or accession to regional and international human rights instruments.”