A/HRC/27/40 IV. Conclusions and recommendations 23. The Secretary-General commends the Subcommittee on Accreditation for its performance and underscores the dedicated and professional support provided by OHCHR to its work and in the accreditation process. 24. The Paris Principles and the general observations adopted by the International Coordinating Committee which interpret those principles, remain the basis on which the Subcommittee accredits national human rights institutions. In order to do so, in addition to legislation and other documentation submitted by institutions, the Subcommittee invites civil society organizations to provide input on the functioning of institutions under review. 25. With the enhanced role of “A” status national human rights institutions in the proceedings of the Human Rights Council, the Subcommittee on Accreditation is more vigilant and rigorous in granting “A” status, to ensure that only institutions fully compliant with the Paris Principles can make use of the benefits granted to “A” status national human rights institutions in their interaction with the Human Rights Council mechanisms, including the universal periodic review process. 26. The role of OHCHR in acting as secretariat for the Subcommittee and in the holding of the Subcommittee’s meetings under its auspices, enhances the credibility of the accreditation process before the international and regional human rights systems. The presence of OHCHR during the decision-making process is instrumental to attesting the compliance of this process with the established rules of procedure, and contributes to its transparency, fairness and rigour. 27. National human rights institutions are urged to implement recommendations emanating from the Subcommittee on Accreditation with a view to enhancing their compliance with the Paris Principles and their effectiveness in discharging their mandate. Governments and other stakeholders, including United Nations entities, are encouraged to assist the national human rights institutions in implementing those recommendations 28. Newly established national human rights institutions are encouraged to request accreditation by the International Coordinating Committee in order to interact effectively with peer institutions as well as the regional and international human rights system. 29. The interdependence and indivisibility of human rights require that the broad mandate of national human rights institutions, as set out in the Paris Principles and emphasized by the Subcommittee, include the promotion and protection of all rights: civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. 30. The Paris Principles require that the composition of national human rights institutions and the appointment of their members, by means of election or otherwise, ensure the pluralistic representation of social forces (civil society) involved in the protection and promotion of human rights. The Subcommittee on Accreditation interprets that provision as requiring a clear, transparent, merit-based and participatory selection and appointment process. It is recommended that the selection and appointment process, be formalized in the legislation establishing national human rights institutions and/or in binding administrative guidelines, as appropriate. 31. The Secretary-General encourages Member States and other stakeholders to guarantee through financial contribution the continuation of high-quality servicing of the Subcommittee on Accreditation by OHCHR. 7

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