A/HRC/10/55 page 29 (a) The functions of the EHRC be expanded to give it an explicit mandate to protect human rights, including the power to receive and determine complaints on human rights violations; (b) The EHRC’s mandate be expanded to include explicit powers regarding the harmonisation of national legislation with international human rights instruments and principles, and the encouragement of their ratification and implementation. The Sub-Committee refers to General Observation 1.3 “Encouraging ratification or accession to international human rights instruments”; (c) The Equality Act include a specific reference to pluralism with regard to the appointments process. The Sub-Committee refers to General Observations 2.1 “Ensuring pluralism” and 2.2 “Selection and appointment of the governing body”; (d) The grounds for dismissal of a Commissioner be more clearly defined. The Sub-Committee refers to General Observation 2.9 “Guarantee of tenure for members of governing bodies”. The Sub-Committee also notes the requirement for the Minister’s consent in relation to the following issues: payment of Commissioners; the numbers, terms and conditions of staff appointments; and the appointment of investigating commissioners. The Sub-Committee emphasizes that this relationship should not negatively influence the EHRC’s ability to function independently. The Sub-Committee refers to General Observation 1.6 “Recommendations by NHRIs”. 3.2. Qatar: National Committee for Human Rights (NCHR) Recommendation: The Sub-Committee recommends that consideration of the application of the NCHR be deferred to the March 2009 Sub-Committee session while keeping its current accreditation B Status. The Sub-Committee notes that insufficient information was provided for it to make a determination and encourages the NCHR to seek advice and assistance from OHCHR and the Asia Pacific Forum of NHRIs. 3.3. Russia: Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights (OCHR) Recommendation: The Sub-Committee recommends that the OCHR be accredited with status A. The Sub-Committee notes the following: (1) It recommends that the OCHR engage systematically with the international human rights system as well as the European human rights system. The Sub-Committee emphasizes the importance of General Observation 1.4 “Interaction with the international human rights system”;