“In November 2016, the SCA noted that the enabling Law does not provide the HRCZ with an explicit mandate to interact with the international human rights system, or to encourage ratification or accession to international human rights instruments.

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

The SCA further emphasizes that monitoring and engaging with the international human rights system, in particular the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms (Special Procedures and UPR) and the United Nations Human Rights Treaty Bodies, can be an effective tool for NHRIs in the promotion and protection of human rights domestically.

The SCA notes that section 5(2) of the Amendment Bill explicitly mandates the HRCZ to both interact with the international human rights system and encourage ratification or accession to international human rights instruments. The SCA is of the view that these amendments, if passed in their present form, would address the previously stated concerns. The SCA therefore encourages the HRCZ to continue to advocate for the passage of the amendments.”