Respect for human rights is the foundation of fair and inclusive communities, in which everyone, regardless of their background, can live freely and in safety.
National human rights institutions (NHRIs) make a vital contribution to their communities by promoting and protecting basic rights and freedoms, especially for those most vulnerable to discrimination and abuse.
However, challenges to human rights are growing in all regions: war and conflict, shrinking civic space, erosion of the rule of law and climate change, among others.
When human rights are threatened or rolled back, communities suffer. And the role of independent NHRIs becomes more urgent.
The Strong NHRIs project will support and equip NHRIs, as well as their global and regional networks, to respond to these challenges and promote and protect the rights of all people.
The Strong NHRIs project will build the capacity of NHRIs in four key areas.
Human rights defenders and civic space
Strengthen NHRIs to promote and protect human rights defenders and civic space, in line with the 2018 Marrakech Declaration, and defend NHRIs when they face threats and reprisals.
Accreditation
Strengthen the Sub-Committee on Accreditation and promote the establishment, strengthening and accreditation of NHRIs in compliance with the Paris Principles
Human rights priorities
Support and enhance the effectiveness of NHRIs to bring about change in priority areas, such as climate change, prevention of torture and implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
NHRI networks
Continue to strengthen GANHRI and the four regional networks – in Africa, the Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe – to better serve and support member NHRIs.
Throughout the project, NHRIs will have access to a wide range of support and training to deepen their knowledge and expertise.
We will regularly bring NHRIs together to share experiences and learn from each other.
We will publish tools and resources, drawing on good practices and insights of NHRIs and partner organisations.
We will amplify the voice of or members and inform the global human rights agenda by sharing NHRI insights on priority human rights.
The Strong NHRIs project is led by GANHRI and implemented in partnership with the four regional networks:
The project will run from 2022-2025 and is funded by the European Union. It builds on learning and developments from previous phases of the NHRI-EU capacity building project (Phase 1: 2016-2018 and Phase 2: 2019-2021).
The Strong NHRIs project (NHRI-EU Phase 3) is funded by the European Union.
