“The DPP´s budget has suffered a cut amounting to approximately 1,000,000USD over the last four years. The SCA appreciates the efforts made by the DPP as it carries out the mandates of National Preventive Mechanisms under OPCAT, and Independent National Monitoring Mechanisms under CRPD, despite the decrease in its budget. The DPP informed the SCA that it had to make adjustments to its administrative operation in order to carry out its expanded mandate in an effective and sustainable manner within its existing resources.
The SCA emphasizes that, to function effectively, an NHRI must be provided with an appropriate level of funding in order to guarantee its ability to freely determine its priorities and effectively fulfil its mandate. Provision of adequate funding by the State should, as a minimum, include the allocation of a sufficient amount of resources for mandated activities. Where the NHRI has been designated with additional responsibilities by the State, additional financial resources should be provided to enable it to assume the responsibilities of discharging these functions.”