The United Nations-recognized Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) has once again deferred the accreditation of India’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC-India). This decision comes as a significant setback for NHRC-India, as it is the second time in a decade that its accreditation has been delayed. GANHRI’s decision was primarily based on concerns over political interference in appointments, involvement of the police in probes into human rights violations, poor cooperation with civil society, lack of diversity in staff and leadership, and insufficient action to protect marginalized groups.
One of the major concerns raised by GANHRI is the perceived political interference in appointments within NHRC-India. The independence and impartiality of a human rights commission are crucial to its effectiveness, and any influence by political entities can undermine its credibility. GANHRI has highlighted the need for transparent and merit-based appointment processes to ensure the Commission’s independence and integrity.
Additionally, GANHRI expressed concern about the involvement of the police in probes related to human rights violations. The presence of law enforcement agencies in such investigations can raise questions about impartiality and fair treatment, potentially hindering the pursuit of justice. GANHRI emphasized the importance of an autonomous and impartial investigative process to safeguard human rights effectively.
GANHRI’s decision to defer accreditation also stems from the perceived lack of cooperation between NHRC-India and civil society organizations. Collaboration with civil society is essential for a human rights commission to understand ground realities, gather diverse perspectives, and ensure comprehensive protection of human rights. The failure to actively engage with civil society can weaken the commission’s effectiveness in addressing human rights issues.
Another critical aspect that GANHRI highlighted is the lack of diversity in the staff and leadership of NHRC-India. A diverse workforce, encompassing individuals from various backgrounds, including gender, ethnicity, and social class, fosters a broader understanding of human rights challenges and enhances the commission’s ability to represent and protect the interests of all segments of society. GANHRI stressed the importance of adopting inclusive hiring practices and creating an environment that values diversity.
Furthermore, GANHRI raised concerns regarding NHRC-India’s insufficient action to protect marginalized groups. Human rights violations disproportionately affect marginalized communities, including women, ethnic and religious minorities, indigenous peoples, and the LGBTQ+ community. GANHRI urged NHRC-India to take more proactive measures to address the specific needs and vulnerabilities of these marginalized groups and ensure their full protection under the framework of human rights.
The deferment of accreditation by GANHRI is a significant setback for NHRC-India, highlighting the need for urgent reforms in its functioning. The concerns raised by GANHRI regarding political interference, involvement of police, poor cooperation with civil society, lack of diversity in staff and leadership, and insufficient action for marginalized groups underline the crucial areas that require immediate attention. NHRC-India must take these criticisms seriously and work towards addressing these issues to regain its accreditation and enhance its effectiveness in safeguarding and promoting human rights in India. The accreditation process serves as an opportunity for NHRC-India to strengthen its institutional mechanisms, improve transparency and inclusivity, and reaffirm its commitment to upholding the highest standards of human rights protection.