“The SCA notes that, in addition to its existing mandate, the OPD has been mandated with responsibilities for anti-discrimination activities, as NPM under OPCAT, and as monitoring mechanism under the CRPD.

The OPD reports that the funds allocated for its work have gradually increased since 2012, and it is able to use these funds freely, according to its own priorities. It also reports receiving additional funds from external donor sources.

To function effectively, an NHRI must be provided with an appropriate level of funding in order to guarantee its independence and its ability to freely determine its priorities and activities. Where an NHRI has been mandated with additional responsibilities by the State, additional financial resources should be provided to enable it to assume the responsibilities of discharging these functions.

The SCA encourages the OPD to continue to advocate for the funding necessary to ensure that it can effectively carry out its mandate, including its newly-mandated responsibilities.”