“The EHRC provided examples of its cooperation with civil society organisations, including in the development of its strategic plan and its responses to proposed legislation that could impact on the promotion and protection of human rights.  

The SCA is of the view that regular and constructive engagement with all relevant stakeholders is essential for NHRIs to effectively fulfil their mandate. Broad engagement with all stakeholders improves the effectiveness of an NHRI in implementing its mandate to promote and protect human rights by providing a better understanding of: the breadth of human rights issues across the state; the different impacts of such issues based on social, cultural, geographic, and other factors; gaps; priorities; and implementation strategies. NHRIs should develop, formalize, and maintain working relationships with other domestic institutions established for the promotion and protection of human rights, including civil society organizations.  

The SCA recommends that the EHRC take visible and clear steps to strengthen its working relationship with civil society organizations, including organizations that work to promote and protect the human rights of LGBTI people, migrants and asylum seekers, persons with disabilities and organizations working on racial discrimination.”