In the past decade there has been a remarkable growth in national human rights institutions (NHRI), such as human rights commissions and ombudsmen. The United Nations has encouraged the development of such institutions and sought to provide guidelines for how they should operate. However, several of those that have been established have come in for criticism from both governments and human rights activists, and there remains uncertainty over what exactly we should expect them to achieve.

This seminar seeks to draw on a range of international experience, including a recent research study, to explore the question of how we can best ensure that national human rights institutions play an effective role in the promotion and protection of human rights. Topics covered include:

• the organisation of NHRIs
• funding and staffing
• working with the legislature
• working with non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
• using litigation effectively
• working with the media
• investigations
• legislation and education.

Participant profile
This seminar will be of interest to members and staff of NHRIs, human rights activists, government officials, lawyers, judges and academics working in the human rights field.