National Human Rights Commissions have been established in an increasing number of countries during the last decade, to help ensure the observation and application of human rights within national arenas. Standards for the operation of Commissions are set out in the United Nations' Principles relating to the Status of National Institutions ("The Paris Principles") agreed in 1993.
The project aimed to develop an effective network and support system for National Human Rights Commissions across the Commonwealth, in order to increase and improve the impact of their work. Collaboration was based around proactive information exchange, the joint development of learning materials, and the provision of training in key technical and/or operating skills.
It is hope that, as a result of the project, Commonwealth National Human Rights Commissions were able to improve their capacity to carry out key statutory functions; l expanded the range of activities recognised by their governments as falling within their competency; and raised their credibility and standing both nationally and internationally. Commissions will therefore be better able to contribute positively to the promotion and protection of human rights within their countries.
We worked with a range of Commonwealth and other international partners on the development and implementation of the project. Our project partners were:
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