The United Nations Paris Principles provide the international benchmarks against which national human rights institutions (NHRIs) can be accredited by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI). Please find the Paris Principles here:
Adopted in 1993 by the United Nations General Assembly, the Paris Principles require NHRIs to:
Protect human rights, including by receiving, investigating and resolving complaints, mediating conflicts and monitoring activities; and
Promote human rights, through education, outreach, the media, publications, training and capacity building, as well as advising and assisting the Government.
The Paris Principles set out six main criteria that NHRIs require to meet:
Mandate and competence: a broad mandate, based on universal human rights norms and standards;
Autonomy from Government;
Independence guaranteed by statute or Constitution;
Adequate resources; and
Adequate powers of investigation.