What does NANHRI stands for?
NANHRI is an acronym which stands for Network of African National Human Rights Institutions.
What does NANHRI do?
It is a membership based organization that supports and strengthens National Human Rights Institutions in the African region. It provides practical assistance and support to its individual member institutions to enable them to more effectively undertake their role in human rights protection, monitoring, promotion and advocacy.
Who are the members of NANHRI?
NANHRI has a membership of 36 African National Human Rights Institutions. These institutions are set up by their respective governments. They check on human rights violations by state institutions and offer assistance to the victims among other roles.
What is the criteria to fulfill for a country to become a member?
The criteria for membership to the network is first that a country has to establish a Human Rights Institution and the network can assist in the setting up of such an institution. The Paris Principles are used as the guiding framework for such an undertaking.
When was NANHRI established?
The idea for the Network was first conceived from a conference held in Yaoundé, Cameroon in 1996. By then, the Network had a representation of 10 National Human Rights institutions. The name adopted at that time was Coordinating Committee of African National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights. In October 2007, its constitution was signed in Kigali and thus saw the formal establishment of the Network of African Human Rights Institutions which replaced the Coordinating Committee of African NHRIs. The Secretariat is currently registered as a legal entity in Kenyan, where its offices are based.
What is the NANHRI's mandate?
1. To encourage the establishment of National Human Rights Institutions in conformity with the Paris Principles
2. To facilitate the coordination, strengthening and effectiveness of National Human Rights Institutions in Africa
3. To encourage cooperation among National Human Rights Institutions and with intergovernmental institutions.
