The SCA notes that since the last accreditation, the ORC staff and budget have grown.

However, the ORC’s mandates and workload have also expanded, requiring additional resources. The SCA further notes that the ORC’s main office in Zagreb is a temporary office which is not suitable for expansion and does not permit an increase in staff numbers.

The SCA is of the view that adequate funding should, to a reasonable degree, ensure the gradual and progressive realisation of the improvement of the NHRI’s operations and the fulfilment of its mandate. Moreover, funding should, at a minimum, include provisions for premises that are accessible to the wider community, including persons with disabilities.

The SCA recommends that the ORC continue to advocate for adequate funding necessary to ensure that it can effectively carry out the breadth of its increasing mandates, and to ensurethe institution has fit-for-purpose office premises in Zagreb.

The SCA refers to Paris Principle B.2 and to its General Observation 1.10 on ‘Adequate funding’.