“The SCA acknowledges that UNIA is active in various regional human rights organizations and has engaged with the international human rights system. However, there is no specific legal provision that mandates UNIA to engage with these systems, nor is UNIA explicitly mandated to encourage ratification or accession to international human rights instruments.

The SCA further notes that UNIA has not submitted reports to all United Nations treaty bodies during periodic review of Belgium. The SCA acknowledges that this is due, in part, to UNIA’s limited mandate.

The Paris Principles recognize that monitoring and engaging with the international human rights system, can be an effective tool for NHRIs in the promotion and protection of human rights domestically. Depending on existing domestic priorities and resources, effective engagement with the international human rights system may include:

– submitting parallel or shadow reports to the UPR, Special Procedures mechanisms and Treaty Bodies;

– making statements during debates before review bodies and the Human Rights Council; and

– monitoring and promoting the implementation of relevant recommendations emanating from United Nations and regional human rights mechanisms.

The SCA encourages UNIA to strengthen its engagement with the international human rights system, and to advocate for changes to its enabling law to mandate it with explicit responsibility to encourage ratification or accession to international instruments.

In considering its engagement with the international and regional human rights system, UNIA is encouraged to actively engage with OHCHR, GANHRI, ENNHRI, and other NHRIs, as well as international and national NGOs and civil society organisations.”