“The SCA acknowledges information received from the OCHR in relation to its activities and efforts to promote and protect a range of human rights including civil and political rights and business and human rights.

The SCA notes that the mandate of the OCHR does not encompass the acts or omissions of private entities. The OCHR informed that it is working alongside authorities for an amendment to its law that would broaden its mandate to cover private entities as well.

The SCA encourages the OCHR to advocate for a broader mandate that includes the ability to address all human rights violations resulting from the acts and omissions of private entities. In this regard, the SCA emphasizes that, where an NHRI has been mandated with additional responsibilities, it must be provided with additional resources to enable it to assume the responsibilities of discharging these functions.

In addition, the OCHR has provided limited information in relation to its work on groups in a vulnerable position such as the LGBTI community.

The SCA encourages the institution to strengthen its efforts to address all human rights issues and expand upon its activities in particular monitoring the rights of human rights defenders and political prisoners. The SCA further encourages the OCHR to ensure that its positions on these issues are made publicly available, as this will contribute to strengthening the credibility and accessibility of the institution for all people in Russia.

An NHRI’s mandate should be interpreted in a broad, liberal and purposive manner to promote a progressive definition of human rights, which includes all rights set out in international, regional and domestic instruments, including economic, social and cultural rights. NHRIs are required to promote and ensure respect for all human rights, democratic principles, and the strengthening of the rule of law in all circumstances, and without exception.”