UN experts call on States to protect NHRIs highlighted from growing threats

GANHRI welcomes the statement by UN Special Rapporteurs expressing concern about the increasing attacks against National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs).

Escalating threats to NHRI independence

In their statement, Mary Lawlor, former Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, and Gina Romero, Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, affirm the critical role NHRIs play in promoting and protecting human rights, including through their contributions to accountability, access to justice, and the effective functioning of democratic systems.

Both warn that NHRI leadership, members, and staff face growing threats. These may include intimidation, smear campaigns, and other forms of harassment, arbitrary legal proceedings, physical threats, and increasing digital attacks. Women human rights defenders and those working on gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights are disproportionately affected.

These risks are compounded by shrinking civic space. The statement further stresses that such patterns of intimidation undermine NHRI independence and hinder their ability to carry out their mandates effectively.

The statement recalls that NHRIs targeted in the course of their work should benefit from the protections afforded to human rights defenders under international law. It calls on States to ensure NHRIs can operate independently, effectively, and without fear of retaliation, in line with the Paris Principles.

GANHRI’s Standing Strong report

These concerns are documented in GANHRI’s Standing Strong report, which finds an escalation in both the scale and nature of threats faced by NHRIs globally. It highlights persistent budgetary constraints, administrative and legal barriers, restrictive legislation, judicial harassment, as well as physical and digital threats. These challenges are often compounded by shrinking civic space and broader restrictions affecting human rights defenders.

The report is based on responses from 33 GANHRI member institutions across all regions. It includes a special focus on environmental human rights defenders, reflecting growing NHRI attention to the heightened risks they face. The findings illustrate NHRIs’ vital contribution to implementing the commitments set out in the Marrakech Declaration and the GANHRI Global Action Plan on Human Rights Defenders.

The role of GANHRI and Regional Networks

GANHRI, together with the four Regional Networks (APF, ENNHRI, NANHRI and RINDHCA), supports NHRIs facing threats or interference. This includes coordinated advocacy for the Paris Principles, engagement with international and regional human rights mechanisms, and efforts to raise attention to situations where NHRIs are at risk.

Joint action provides visibility, solidarity, and direct support to affected institutions, ensures attacks are addressed, and reminds States of their obligation to guarantee NHRI independence and effective functioning.

GANHRI remains committed to working with partners, including the UN human rights system, to strengthen the protection and enabling environment of NHRIs worldwide.