The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) has been awarded the highest level of UN accreditation  for national human rights institutions. 

The news follows a detailed review of the Commission’s work, achievements, institutional independence and processes.

Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) confirmed that it is to re-accredit the Commission, as an ‘A’ status national human rights institution.

The GANHRI Sub-Committee on Accreditation commended “the efforts of the IHREC to promote and protect human rights in the Republic of Ireland and encouraging the institution to continue these efforts.”

Compliant

Only those awarded an ‘A’ status are fully compliant with the Paris Principles on national institutions for human rights.

As a result, IHREC will be accorded voting, speaking and sitting rights at human rights treaty bodies or other UN organs. 

National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) are periodically accredited and evaluated with reference to international standards for NHRIs to promote and protect human rights effectively and in an independent manner.

The Paris Principles, established in 1993 through a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly set out the main criteria that NHRIs are required to meet:

• Establishment under primary law or the Constitution,
• A broad mandate to promote and protect human rights,
• Formal and functional independence,
• Pluralism, representing all aspects of society,
• Adequate resources and financial autonomy,
• Freedom to address any human rights issue arising,
• Annual reporting on the national human rights situation,
• Co-operation with national and international actors, including civil society.