A/HRC/7/69
page 55
NHRIs as advocates for ratification and use of complaints mechanisms
12. It was noted that NHRIs can make an important contribution by advocating for ratification
of international human rights treaties, optional protocols, removal of reservations and the
acceptance of treaty provisions relating to individual complaints (such as Article 14 of ICERD
which has been accepted by only 51 State parties and used by individuals or groups of
individuals from 9 States parties).
13. The role of NHRI’s in supporting the individual complaints mechanisms of specific UN
human rights Treaty Bodies was emphasized, including raising public awareness of their
availability, potentially providing support for petitioners, and monitoring follow up by the State
party.
NHRI involvement in OPCAT
14. Examples of good practice were discussed in relation to the process of establishing
National Preventive Mechanisms (NPM) under the OPCAT, the role of NHRI’s, their
relationship with NGOs, and the importance and complementarity of cooperation between the
Subcommittee and National Preventive Mechanisms. It was also noted that some NHRIs have
been identified as the NPM and this in recognition of their independence and adherence to the
Paris Principles.
Dissemination of the conclusions and report
15. The OHCHR and ICC of NHRIs as well as regional coordinating bodies of NHRIs were
asked to widely disseminate the conclusions and report of the meeting to NHRI’s, Treaty Body
members and States parties, including the harmonised approach to NHRI interaction with treaty
body processes. In addition, it was pointed out that the report and conclusions of this meeting
should be circulated by one or more NHRIs with A status as an official document of the Human
Rights Council.
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