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HRC at 20: reaffirming the indispensable role of NHRIs

The twentieth anniversary of the Human Rights Council (HRC) marks a significant milestone for the international human rights system. Over two decades, the Council has established itself as the principal intergovernmental body within the United Nations (UN) responsible for promoting and protecting human rights. Its work has contributed to shaping global norms, strengthening accountability, and providing a platform for dialogue between States and stakeholders, including National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs).

For GANHRI and its members, this anniversary is a moment to reaffirm the essential role of NHRIs within the UN human rights architecture and to reflect on the challenges ahead.

Photo credit: UN Photo / Elma Okic

Two decades of strengthened NHRI engagement

Over the past 20 years, the Council has progressively recognised and integrated the contribution of NHRIs within its work and mechanisms. Through the participation of A-status NHRIs and GANHRI’s coordination role, NHRIs have become established stakeholders in Council proceedings, including the Universal Periodic Review, special procedures, and thematic and country-specific debates. NHRIs provide independent, evidence-based information that helps ensure that international deliberations reflect realities on the ground.

This recognition is reflected in a series of HRC resolutions adopted every two years reaffirming international support for NHRIs. Each has highlighted a different dimension of NHRI work: COVID-19 response in 2020; climate action and Indigenous Peoples’ rights in 2022; and the rights of persons with disabilities in 2024.

In practice, this recognition translates into sustained engagement. In 2024, GANHRI supported NHRIs to deliver more than 30 statements across all sessions, a number that grew over 40 statements in 2025. NHRIs also contribute through panel participation, side events, or written submissions to OHCHR calls for inputs, providing independent national perspectives that directly inform the reports and thematic discussions before the Council.

The value of NHRIs in a changing global context

This role matters all the more given the pressures facing human rights systems globally: restrictions on civic space, rising inequalities, armed conflict, and emerging challenges linked to technology and climate change. NHRIs play a critical role in safeguarding rights, monitoring compliance, and bridging international obligations with domestic implementation.

However, many NHRIs continue to face significant constraints around their mandate, independence, and resources. In some contexts, they operate in increasingly restrictive environments, facing interference, pressure, and reduced operational space. These trends underline the importance of sustained international attention to the conditions NHRIs need to fulfil their mandates effectively.

Looking ahead: real progress, neither irreversible nor sufficient

Twenty years on, the international community has much to celebrate, but also a great deal to defend. Recognition of the role of NHRIs alone is not enough; what is required now is concrete commitment to the conditions that make their engagement possible. This means robust legal mandates and functional and financial independence, fully aligned with the Paris Principles.

That commitment must extend to the Council itself, since NHRIs can only engage as effectively as the Council’s own capacity allows.  It is currently navigating a serious financial and liquidity crisis with direct consequences for its ability to fulfil its mandates. Meeting time has been reduced, investigative mechanisms are operating under severe staffing constraints, and critical accessibility services for persons with disabilities are at risk. Council sessions must remain fully resourced, accessible and inclusive. Only then can all stakeholders, including NHRIs, engage meaningfully in the work of this essential body.

GANHRI therefore calls on States to:

  • Safeguard and strengthen NHRIs and ensure their continued and meaningful participation at the UN.
  • Protect NHRI independence and operational space where institutions face interference or restrictive conditions, in line with Paris Principles.
  • Commit the resources necessary for the Council to remain an open, accessible, and effective forum.

Only by doing so, the international human rights system retains credibility and effectiveness, making human rights a reality for everyone, everywhere.