Statute of GANHRI

Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions
Statute
Version adopted by the General Assembly on 15 March 2023

Preamble

The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, hereinafter referred to as the Global Alliance, formerly known as the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, began its activities in 1993, when National Human Rights Institutions, hereinafter referred to as National Institutions, established the International Coordinating Committee at their first international conference held in Tunis, with the aim of coordinating the activities of National Institutions at the global level.

On 22 March 2016, the General Meeting adopted a decision to replace the name International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights with the new name Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions.

The Global Alliance strengthens the role of National Human Rights Institutions throughout the world, provides its members with a forum for interaction and exchange of information, and facilitates their engagement with international organizations.

The Global Alliance was established as a non-profit organization under Swiss law. This Statute grants the Global Alliance created hereunder an independent legal personality, replacing the flexible arrangements existing until now under the former rules of procedure.

This Statute, first adopted in Nairobi on 21 October 2008, has undergone a series of revisions in past years, including amendments adopted at previous General Meetings in Geneva, on 24 March 2009, 19 May 2011, 7 March 2012, 22 May 2013, 22 March 2016, 22 February 2018, and finally in March 2019.

Section 1, Definitions and Interpretation

Article 1

For the purposes of this Statute:

“Days” means calendar days, not working days.

“Global Alliance” means the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, referred to in United Nations Commission on Human Rights resolution 2005/74 and in United Nations Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, and granted independent legal personality by this Statute.

“Global Alliance Bureau” means the governing committee established under Article 43 of this Statute.

“Chairperson of the Global Alliance Bureau” means the person elected as Chairperson of that Bureau under Articles 34 and 45.

“Headquarters of the Global Alliance” means the principal offices of the Global Alliance.

“General Observations” means the standards developed by the Sub-Committee on Accreditation pursuant to section 2.2 of its rules of procedure.

“Members of the Global Alliance” means voting members and non-voting members.

“Global Alliance Secretariat” means the relevant unit within the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights responsible for National Human Rights Institutions.

“Secretary of the Global Alliance” means the person elected as Secretary under Article 34, who acts as Deputy Chairperson in carrying out the functions of the Chairperson in his or her absence, including the functions referred to in Article 49.

“Staff of the Global Alliance” means the employees working for the Global Alliance.

“National Institution” means a National Human Rights Institution, being any independent national institution established by a Member State or Observer State of the United Nations, with a constitutional or legislative mandate to promote and protect human rights, and accredited by, or intending to be accredited by, the Global Alliance in accordance with the Paris Principles.

“Observer” means an institution or person authorized to participate in meetings of the Global Alliance or other meetings or open workshops, without the right to vote or speak unless invited to do so by the Chairperson of the meeting or workshop.

“Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights” means the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

“Paris Principles” means the Principles relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights, adopted by the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in resolution 1992/54 of 3 March 1992, and endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in resolution 48/134 of 20 December 1993.

“Regional Network” means the body established by National Human Rights Institutions in each of the regional groupings in Africa, the Americas, Asia Pacific, and Europe, namely:
the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions,
the Network of National Human Rights Institutions of the Americas,
the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions,
the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions.

“Sub-Committee on Accreditation” means the sub-committee of the Global Alliance responsible for making recommendations on accreditation, under the auspices of and in cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and formally established under United Nations Commission on Human Rights resolution 2005/74 as a sub-committee of the Global Alliance Bureau.

“Rules of Procedure of the Sub-Committee on Accreditation” means the rules of procedure of the Global Alliance Sub-Committee on Accreditation, adopted by the Sub-Committee and approved by the Global Alliance Bureau in accordance with Article 2.11 of this Statute.

“Voting Member” means a National Human Rights Institution that is a member of the Global Alliance and accredited with “A” status.

“Non-Voting Member” means a National Human Rights Institution that is a member of the Global Alliance and accredited with “B” status.

“In writing” or “Written” includes any communication handwritten, typed, or printed, including telex, telegram, email, and wired or wireless communications.

Section 2, Name, Logo, and Registered Office

Article 2, Name and Legal Status

1. The National Human Rights Institutions signatory to this Statute establish, under this Statute and pursuant to Articles 60 et seq. of the Swiss Civil Code, a non-profit association with an international character and legal personality independent of its members.
2. The association shall bear the name Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, formerly known as the Association of the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, referred to in this Statute as the Global Alliance.
3. The duration of the Global Alliance is unlimited.

Article 3, Logo

The official logo of the Global Alliance in each of the working languages of the Global Alliance shall appear as follows.

Article 4, Registered Office

The registered office of the Global Alliance shall be in Geneva, Switzerland, where its headquarters are located.

Section 3, Purpose

Article 5, Objective

The Global Alliance is a global association of National Human Rights Institutions that promotes and supports National Institutions so that they operate in conformity with the Paris Principles and provides guidance in the promotion and protection of human rights.

Article 6, Cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

The General Meetings of the Global Alliance, meetings of the Global Alliance Bureau, meetings of the Sub-Committee on Accreditation, as well as international conferences of the Global Alliance, shall be held under the auspices of and in cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Article 7, Functions and Principles

1. The functions of the Global Alliance are:

A. To coordinate the activities of National Human Rights Institutions established in accordance with the Paris Principles at the international level, including the following activities:

1. Engaging and cooperating with the United Nations, including United Nations bodies such as the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms, and United Nations human rights treaty bodies, as well as other international organizations,
2. Cooperating and coordinating among National Institutions and Regional Networks,
3. Communicating among members and with stakeholders, including the public where necessary,
4. Developing knowledge,
5. Managing knowledge,
6. Developing guidelines, policies, and statements,
7. Implementing initiatives,
8. Organizing conferences.

B. To encourage the establishment and strengthening of National Institutions in accordance with the Paris Principles, including through the following activities:

1. Accrediting new members,
2. Periodic reaccreditation,
3. Special review of accreditation,
4. Assisting National Institutions at risk,
5. Providing technical assistance,
6. Supporting and promoting educational and training opportunities to develop and strengthen the capacities of National Institutions.

C. To carry out any other functions referred to it by the voting members.

2. In carrying out these functions, the Global Alliance shall act in ways that embed the following principles:

a. Fairness, transparency, and credibility in accreditation processes,
b. Timely provision of information and guidance to National Institutions regarding engagement with the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms, United Nations human rights treaty bodies, and other United Nations human rights mechanisms and processes,
c. Dissemination of information and guidance to National Institutions concerning the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms and United Nations human rights treaty bodies,
d. Exercising the mandate of representing National Institutions,
e. Building strong relationships reflecting complementarity of roles with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Regional Networks,
f. Flexibility, transparency, and positive participation in all processes,
g. Inclusive decision-making processes based on consensus whenever possible,
h. Preserving its independence and financial autonomy.

Article 8, International Conference

The Global Alliance may hold an international conference once every three years in accordance with the rules of procedure for international conferences of National Human Rights Institutions.

Section 4, Cooperation with International Organizations, Other Human Rights Institutions, and Non-Governmental Organizations

Article 9

The Global Alliance may liaise with international organizations and other human rights institutions, including the International Ombudsman Institute and non-governmental organizations. The Global Alliance Bureau may decide to grant these organizations observer status at any meetings or workshops held by the Global Alliance or its Bureau.

Section 5, Accreditation under the Paris Principles

Article 10, Application for Accreditation

[Note: Pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, section VII of the rules of procedure, paragraph 11(b), National Human Rights Institutions participate in the work of the Human Rights Council in accordance with arrangements and practices agreed by the Commission on Human Rights, including resolution 2005/74 of 20 April 2005. Paragraph 11(a) of resolution 2005/74 allowed institutions accredited by the Sub-Committee on Accreditation, under the auspices of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, to exercise participation rights in the work of the Commission on Human Rights and its subsidiary bodies.]

Any National Institution seeking accreditation under the Paris Principles shall submit its application to the Chairperson of the Global Alliance. Through the Global Alliance Secretariat, the institution shall provide the following in support of its application:
a copy of the law or other instrument by which it was established and empowered, in its official or published version,
a summary of its organizational structure, including the number of staff and annual budget,
a copy of its most recent annual report or an equivalent document in its official or published version,
a detailed statement showing how the institution complies with the Paris Principles, as well as those aspects in which it does not comply and any proposals to ensure compliance. The Global Alliance Bureau may determine the format in which this statement should be submitted.

The application shall be decided in accordance with Articles 11 and 12 of this Statute.

Article 11, Decisions

Article 11.1

The Global Alliance Bureau shall decide on all applications for accreditation under the Paris Principles under the auspices of and in cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, on the basis of written evidence submitted and after considering a report from the Sub-Committee on Accreditation.

Article 11.2

In order to reach a decision, the Global Alliance Bureau and the Sub-Committee on Accreditation shall adopt processes that facilitate dialogue and exchange of information between them and the applicant National Institution whenever necessary, so as to reach a fair and just decision.

Article 12, Recommendation on Accreditation and Appeal Therefrom

Article 12.1

Where the Sub-Committee on Accreditation reaches a recommendation on accreditation, that recommendation shall be deemed accepted by the Global Alliance Bureau unless the applicant institution successfully appeals it in accordance with the following procedure:

1. The recommendation of the Sub-Committee shall be referred to the applicant institution as soon as possible,
2. The applicant institution may appeal the recommendation of the Sub-Committee by submitting a letter to the Chairperson of the Global Alliance, with a copy to the Global Alliance Secretariat, within twenty-eight days from receipt of the recommendation,
3. After the expiry of this period of twenty-eight days, the Global Alliance Secretariat shall refer the recommendation of the Sub-Committee to the members of the Global Alliance Bureau as soon as possible. If the applicant institution has not appealed the recommendation, it shall be deemed accepted by the Bureau,
4. If the applicant institution lodges an appeal within this twenty-eight-day period, the Global Alliance Secretariat shall refer all relevant documents relating to the appeal to the members of the Global Alliance Bureau as soon as possible. Members of the Global Alliance Bureau shall have twenty days to determine whether they support the appeal,
5. Any member of the Global Alliance Bureau supporting the appeal of the applicant institution shall, within twenty days, notify the Chairperson of the Sub-Committee on Accreditation and the Global Alliance Secretariat of that support. If the appeal does not receive the support of one Bureau member within twenty days, the recommendation of the Sub-Committee on Accreditation shall be deemed accepted by the Global Alliance Bureau,
6. If the appeal submitted by the applicant institution receives the support of at least one member of the Global Alliance Bureau within this twenty-day period, the Global Alliance Secretariat shall notify the members of the Global Alliance Bureau as soon as possible of that support and shall provide any relevant additional information,
7. Following such notification and any additional relevant documents, any member of the Global Alliance Bureau supporting the appeal of the applicant National Institution shall, within twenty days, notify the Chairperson of the Global Alliance and the Global Alliance Secretariat of that support. If the appeal does not receive the support of at least four members of the Global Alliance Bureau from at least two regional groups within the second twenty-day period, the recommendation of the Sub-Committee shall be deemed accepted by the Global Alliance Bureau,
8. If the appeal receives the support of at least four members of the Global Alliance Bureau from at least two regional groups, the recommendation of the Sub-Committee shall be referred to a meeting of the Global Alliance Bureau for decision.

Article 12.2

For the purposes of Article 12.1, days shall begin to run on the day following the date on which a communication is sent by the Global Alliance Secretariat and shall expire at midnight on the last day, Central European Time, Geneva, Switzerland.

Article 12.3

A member of the Global Alliance Bureau may not initiate an appeal against a recommendation of the Sub-Committee on Accreditation unless the applicant institution concerned has first appealed it.

Article 12.4

Any member of the Global Alliance Bureau supporting the appeal of the applicant institution shall confirm that support in writing to the Chairperson of the Sub-Committee and the Global Alliance Secretariat within the time periods specified in Article 12.1.

Article 12.5

A member of the Global Alliance Bureau may not support an appeal on behalf of another member or a group of members.

Article 12.6

The applicant institution may not support an appeal brought in its own name when it is itself a member of the Global Alliance Bureau.

Article 12.7

The applicant institution whose appeal will be heard by the Global Alliance Bureau pursuant to Article 12.1(8), and which is also a member of the Global Alliance Bureau, shall be excluded from participating in the meeting of the Global Alliance Bureau at which the appeal is heard and determined.

Article 12.8

An alternate member shall be appointed by the Regional Networks to participate in the Global Alliance Bureau in place of the member whose appeal is to be heard by the Global Alliance pursuant to Article 12.1(8). The substitution by the alternate member shall apply for the whole meeting.

Article 13, Reapplication for Accreditation after Rejection

Article 13.1

If the Global Alliance Bureau decides to reject an application for reaccreditation by a National Institution on the ground that it does not comply with the Paris Principles, the Global Alliance Bureau or its delegate may consult with that institution on measures aimed at addressing the compliance issues.

Article 13.2

Any National Institution whose application for accreditation or reaccreditation has been rejected may reapply for accreditation at any time. Such application may be considered at the next meeting of the Sub-Committee on Accreditation in accordance with the guidelines set out in Article 10.

Article 14, Deferral

Article 14.1

The Sub-Committee may decide to defer an application instead of making a decision on accreditation status. A decision of deferral shall be limited to two years, except in exceptional circumstances that may justify a longer period. In any event, the total period of deferral shall not exceed the ordinary cycle provided for in Article 15.

Article 14.2

A decision of the Sub-Committee to defer an application for accreditation or reaccreditation shall not constitute a recommendation to the Global Alliance Bureau and may not be appealed under Article 12.

Article 15, Periodic Reaccreditation

All “A” status National Institutions shall be subject to periodic reaccreditation on a five-year basis. Articles 10, 11, and 12 shall apply to National Institutions subject to reaccreditation. In particular, any reference to an application shall mean both an initial application and an application for reaccreditation.

Article 16, Special Review

Article 16.1

Where, in the opinion of the Chairperson of the Global Alliance or of the Sub-Committee on Accreditation, the circumstances of any accredited National Institution have changed in a way that affects its compliance with the Paris Principles, the Chairperson of the Global Alliance may request the Sub-Committee to commence, or the Sub-Committee may decide to undertake, a review of the accreditation status of the National Institution.

Article 16.2

Where the Chairperson of the Global Alliance or any member of the Sub-Committee on Accreditation considers that the circumstances of any National Institution accredited with “A” status may have changed in a manner that affects its compliance with the Paris Principles, the Chairperson of the Global Alliance or the Sub-Committee may initiate a review of that National Institution’s accreditation status.

Article 16.3

A decision of the Sub-Committee to initiate a special review shall not constitute a recommendation to the Global Alliance Bureau and may not be appealed under Article 12.

Article 16.4

Any review of the classification of a National Institution shall be completed within eighteen months.

Article 17, Powers and Responsibilities

The Chairperson of the Global Alliance and the Sub-Committee on Accreditation shall have all the same powers and responsibilities in any review as they have in relation to an application submitted under Article 10.

Article 18, Modification or Removal of Accreditation Status

Article 18.1

When considering an application for reaccreditation pursuant to Article 15 of this Statute, or a special review pursuant to Article 16.2 of this Statute, the Sub-Committee on Accreditation may recommend that the accreditation status of a National Institution is:

1. downgraded from “A” status to “B” status, where appropriate,
2. maintained, or
3. removed.

The Sub-Committee may also recommend removal of accreditation status under this Article where the National Institution:
a. acts in a way that seriously undermines its independence and/or effectiveness, or
b. has been subject to significant changes to its legal mandate to such an extent that it can no longer be accredited as a National Human Rights Institution under the Paris Principles.

The Sub-Committee may also recommend removal of current accreditation status where there is a clear indication by the relevant United Nations Member State that there is another institution intended to function as the National Human Rights Institution, and the Sub-Committee subsequently accredits that institution.

Article 18.2, Change in Accreditation Classification

No decision that would downgrade the classification of an applicant institution from “A” status shall be taken unless that institution has been notified of that intention and given the opportunity to provide, in writing, the evidence necessary to establish its continued compliance with the Paris Principles within one year of receipt of such notice.

Article 18.3, Power to Remove Accreditation Status

Accreditation status may be removed by the Global Alliance Bureau where:
a. the institution had previously been accredited with “C” status,
b. the institution has been dissolved or has ceased to operate, or
c. the institution has informed the Global Alliance that it no longer wishes to be accredited.

Article 18.4, Power to Suspend Accreditation Status Immediately in Exceptional Circumstances

Where the Chairperson of the Global Alliance or the Sub-Committee on Accreditation considers that there is an exceptional circumstance requiring the urgent suspension of the accreditation status of a National Institution, the Global Alliance Bureau may decide to suspend that institution’s accreditation status immediately and request the Sub-Committee, under Article 16.2 of this Statute, to commence a special review.

Article 18.5, Procedure for Immediate Suspension of Accreditation in Exceptional Circumstances

A decision of the Global Alliance Bureau in such exceptional circumstances shall be final and shall be subject to the following process:

1. The Chairperson of the Global Alliance, through the Global Alliance Secretariat, shall immediately notify the Global Alliance Bureau and the National Institution concerned of the alleged existence of exceptional circumstances under Article 18.4, and recommend suspension of the accreditation classification of that National Institution,
2. The National Institution may challenge the recommendation by submitting a letter to the Chairperson of the Global Alliance, with a copy to the Global Alliance Secretariat, within twenty-eight days of being notified of the recommendation,
3. Any member of the Global Alliance Bureau supporting the challenge of the National Institution shall, within twenty days, notify the Chairperson of the Global Alliance and its Secretariat of that support. If the challenge does not receive the support of at least one member of the Global Alliance Bureau within twenty days, the recommendation for suspension shall be deemed accepted by the Bureau,
4. If at least one member of the Global Alliance Bureau supports the challenge of the National Institution within twenty days, the Global Alliance Secretariat shall notify all members of the Bureau as soon as practicable of that support and provide any additional relevant material,
5. Upon such notification and any additional relevant material, any other member of the Global Alliance Bureau supporting the challenge of the National Institution shall, within twenty days, notify the Chairperson of the Global Alliance and its Secretariat of that support,
6. If at least two members of the Global Alliance Bureau, from at least two regions, support the challenge in accordance with Article 18.5(4) and (5), the recommendation shall be referred to a subsequent meeting of the Global Alliance Bureau for decision. Otherwise, the recommendation to suspend the accreditation classification shall be deemed adopted by the Global Alliance Bureau.

Article 18.6

For the purposes of Articles 18.4 and 18.5, “exceptional circumstances” refers to a sudden and dramatic change in the internal political order of a State, such as:
a breakdown of the constitutional or democratic order,
a declared state of emergency,
gross violations of human rights,

and this is accompanied by any of the following:
a change in the enabling legislation of the National Institution or any other applicable law that conflicts with the Paris Principles,
a change in the composition of the National Institution that is not carried out in accordance with the applicable selection and/or appointment process,
the National Institution acting in a manner that seriously undermines its compliance with the Paris Principles.

Article 19, Suspension of Accreditation for Failure to Reapply

Accreditation status may be suspended if a National Institution does not submit its application for reaccreditation, or fails to do so without justification, within the prescribed time period.

Article 20, Downgrading of Accreditation Status

Accreditation status may be downgraded if the National Institution does not submit an application for reaccreditation within one year of the suspension of its accreditation for failure to reapply.

Article 21, Duration of Suspension

National Human Rights Institutions whose accreditation has been suspended shall remain suspended until the body deciding on their compliance with the Paris Principles under this Statute reaches a decision on their accreditation status, or until their accreditation is downgraded.

Article 22, Reapplication for Accreditation after Downgrading

National Institutions whose accreditation status has been downgraded or removed may regain accreditation only through reapplication for accreditation as provided in Article 10 of this Statute.

Article 23, Loss of Privileges Associated with Accreditation

If accreditation status is downgraded, removed, or suspended, all the rights and privileges of that National Institution deriving from accreditation shall cease immediately. If the National Institution is under review, it shall retain the accreditation status granted to it until the body deciding on the matter reaches a decision on its compliance with the Paris Principles, or until its membership is terminated.

Section 6, Participating Members

Article 24, Eligibility and Voting Rights

Article 24.1

National Institutions fully compliant with the Paris Principles, namely institutions accredited with “A” status in accordance with the procedure under this Statute, shall alone be eligible to become voting members of the Global Alliance.

Article 24.2

National Institutions partially compliant with the Paris Principles, namely institutions accredited with “B” status in accordance with the procedure under this Statute, shall be eligible to become non-voting members.

Article 25, Applications for Membership

Any National Institution wishing to become a member of the Global Alliance shall submit a written application to the Chairperson of the Global Alliance containing:
information on the date of its “A” status accreditation, if applying for voting membership,
information on the date of its “B” status accreditation, if applying for non-voting membership.

In both cases, the applicant institution shall indicate its agreement to comply with this Statute, as amended from time to time, including agreement to pay the prescribed annual membership fees. The Global Alliance Bureau shall consider and decide upon the application.

Article 26, Cessation of Membership

Membership of a National Institution in the Global Alliance shall cease immediately upon that institution giving written notice of resignation to the Chairperson of the Global Alliance, without prejudice to the institution’s obligation to satisfy any outstanding financial obligations due to the Global Alliance as at the date of resignation.

Article 27, Cancellation of Membership

Membership may be cancelled by decision of the Global Alliance Bureau if the body determining accreditation status reaches a decision under this Statute that the member no longer meets the eligibility requirements for membership set out in Article 24.

Article 28, Termination of Membership

Membership may be terminated by decision of the Global Alliance Bureau if a member fails, for six months or more, to pay any annual subscription due.

Article 29, Reapplication for Membership

Article 29.1

A National Institution whose membership has been cancelled or terminated for non-payment of annual fees may regain membership by reapplying for membership under Article 25 of this Statute.

Article 29.2

Where membership has been terminated for non-payment of fees, readmission shall be conditional upon payment of the outstanding fees, or such portion thereof as the Global Alliance Bureau may determine.

Article 30, Independence of Members

Nothing in this Statute shall, in any way, affect the independence of members and their national standing and status, nor their powers, duties, and functions under their legislative mandates, nor their participation in various international human rights fora.

Section 7, Regional Networks of Members

Article 31

Article 31.1

In order to ensure fair regional representation in the Global Alliance, the following regions are defined and the following Regional Networks are recognized as representing those regions:
Africa, the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions,
the Americas, the Network of National Human Rights Institutions of the Americas,
Asia Pacific, the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions,
Europe, the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions.

Article 31.2

Members of any Regional Network may establish sub-regional groups as they wish.

Article 31.3

Members of Regional Networks may establish their own procedures relating to the conduct of meetings and activities.

Article 31.4

Each Regional Network shall appoint four members and one alternate member accredited with “A” status to represent the Regional Network on the Global Alliance Bureau, including the Chairperson of the Global Alliance and the Secretary of the Global Alliance elected under Article 34.

Section 8, General Assemblies of Members

Article 32

The General Assembly shall consist of the members of the Global Alliance and shall constitute the highest authority of the organization.

Article 33, Functions

The functions of the General Assembly shall include controlling the activities of the Global Alliance, reviewing and overseeing the activities of the Global Alliance Bureau, approving the programme of activities of the Global Alliance, amending this Statute, considering financing issues, and determining the annual membership fees payable by members accredited with “A” status, provided that decisions of the Global Alliance Bureau relating to accreditation status shall not be subject to review or oversight by the General Assembly.

Article 34

Article 34.1

The General Assembly shall ratify the appointment of members of the Global Alliance Bureau in accordance with Article 31.4. Members of the Global Alliance Bureau shall be represented on the Bureau by the head of the institution, or, in exceptional cases, by a member of the senior leadership of the institution duly authorized by the head of the institution.

Article 34.2

The General Assembly shall elect two persons as Chairperson of the Global Alliance and Secretary of the Global Alliance, both of whom shall be heads of institutions accredited with “A” status, upon the proposal of the relevant Regional Network, in accordance with the rotation established under Article 45.

Article 35, Meetings

The General Assembly shall meet at least once a year, preferably in conjunction with a session of the Human Rights Council, upon written notice from the Global Alliance Bureau to members at least six months before the meeting, and at such other times as may be required by law, including when requested by one-fifth or more of the voting members. Such request must be submitted by voting members at least six weeks in advance, in writing, and addressed to the Chairperson of the Global Alliance.

Article 36, Extraordinary Meetings

Where circumstances require an urgent decision of the General Assembly that cannot await a General Assembly convened under Article 35, the Chairperson of the Global Alliance, with the approval of the Global Alliance Bureau, may convene an extraordinary General Assembly.

An extraordinary General Assembly may not be held less than twenty-four hours after the notice calling it.

Decisions of an extraordinary General Assembly shall be adopted by a majority of the votes of members present in person, through communication systems, or duly represented, abstentions not being counted.

Article 37, Agenda

The agenda of a meeting shall be provided to members together with the written notice of the meeting, or, in the case of ordinary General Assemblies, at least six weeks before the meeting.

Section 9, Voting Rights and Decisions

Article 38, Voting Members, Non-Voting Members, and Observers

At General Assemblies, only voting members shall have the right to vote. Non-voting members shall have the right to participate and speak at General Assemblies. The Chairperson of the Global Alliance, after consultation with the Global Alliance Bureau, may invite National Institutions that are not members of the Global Alliance, and any other person or institution, to participate in General Assemblies as observers.

Article 39, Eligibility Where There Is More Than One Institution in One State

At General Assemblies, only one National Institution per United Nations Member State shall be eligible as the voting member. Where more than one institution in a State is eligible for membership, those National Human Rights Institutions in that State shall have one right to speak, one vote, and one member or one alternate member on the Global Alliance Bureau if elected. It shall be for the institutions concerned to determine which institution shall represent the National Human Rights Institutions of that State.

Article 40, Decision-Making Modality

Decisions shall be taken by consensus wherever possible. Failing that, decisions of the General Assembly shall be adopted by a majority of voting members present in person, abstentions not being counted. The General Assembly shall deal only with matters included in the agenda.

Article 41, Quorum

1. For extraordinary General Assemblies, a quorum of at least one-half of the total number of voting members shall be required for a General Assembly or extraordinary General Assembly to be validly convened. Members may be duly represented or may participate through wired or wireless communication systems.
2. A quorum of at least one-half of the voting members present shall be required for the General Assembly to adopt decisions, abstentions not being counted.

Article 42, Working Languages

Arabic, English, French, and Spanish are the working languages of the Global Alliance. Accordingly, documents issued by the Global Alliance should be made available in those languages.

Section 10, The Global Alliance Bureau of National Human Rights Institutions

Article 43, Composition

The Global Alliance shall be administered by a committee called the Global Alliance Bureau, consisting of sixteen persons, including the Chairperson of the Global Alliance and the Secretary of the Global Alliance, appointed and elected pursuant to Articles 31.4 and 34.

Article 44, Replacement

Article 44.1

If a member of the Global Alliance Bureau ceases to be accredited with “A” status, or if that member’s appointment is withdrawn by the Regional Network under Article 34.1, the membership of the representative of the National Institution on the Global Alliance Bureau shall cease, and the Regional Network shall appoint a representative of another National Institution as an interim member of the Global Alliance Bureau until ratified at the next General Assembly. This provision shall also apply to alternate members appointed under Article 12.8.

Article 44.2

If the National Institution of the Chairperson of the Global Alliance or of the Secretary of the Global Alliance ceases to be accredited with “A” status, or if the National Institution receives notice of an intention to downgrade its accreditation status under Article 18.1, or if the Chairperson of the Global Alliance or the Secretary of the Global Alliance ceases to hold his or her national office, the term of office of the Chairperson of the Global Alliance or the Secretary of the Global Alliance shall terminate.

The relevant Regional Network shall, pursuant to Article 45, propose a new candidate within ninety days following notice of resignation, who shall act as interim Chairperson of the Global Alliance or interim Secretary of the Global Alliance until the next General Assembly.

Article 45, Rotation

The Chairperson of the Global Alliance and the Secretary of the Global Alliance shall be elected by the General Assembly on the basis of geographical rotation for a non-renewable term of three years. The order of rotation shall be: the Americas, Asia Pacific, Africa, Europe.

Article 46, Powers of the Global Alliance Bureau

1. The Global Alliance Bureau shall generally have the authority to act on behalf of the Global Alliance and to carry out its objectives and functions.
2. Without limiting the generality of its administrative powers, the Global Alliance Bureau shall have the authority to:
   a. decide applications for accreditation after considering recommendations of the Sub-Committee on Accreditation,
   b. decide applications for membership in the Global Alliance,
   c. convene General Assemblies of the Global Alliance,
   d. cooperate and work with United Nations bodies, mechanisms, and processes, as well as with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the United Nations Development Programme, especially in relation to the Global Alliance accreditation process, annual meetings of the Global Alliance, meetings of the Global Alliance Bureau, and international conferences of National Institutions. In addition, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights facilitates and coordinates the participation of National Institutions in the Human Rights Council, its mechanisms, and United Nations human rights treaty bodies,
   e. avail itself of and accept the services of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights as the Secretariat of the Global Alliance, the Global Alliance Bureau, and its Sub-Committee on Accreditation,
   f. appoint a Finance Committee composed of four members of the Global Alliance, with each Regional Network appointing one member, and the Finance Committee acting as Treasurer of the Global Alliance,
   g. acquire, lease, dispose of, or otherwise deal with property of all kinds,
   h. open bank accounts and designate signatories and determine their authority,
   i. expend funds and do all things desirable to promote the objectives of the Global Alliance,
   j. entrust any task to a particular person or to a standing committee or sub-committee composed of persons or members,
   k. coordinate and arrange conferences, meetings, standing committees, sub-committees, and other activities,
   l. appoint, dismiss, or suspend employees, agents, and contractors,
   m. enter into contracts,
   n. seek professional assistance in preparing annual statements or other financial statements, obtaining legal advice, or for any other purpose,
   o. prepare and circulate information notes, newsletters, and papers of any kind to members, and generally promote information relating to human rights issues, the activities of the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms, human rights treaty bodies, and other relevant United Nations bodies, mechanisms, and processes, as well as the activities of the Global Alliance that may be of interest to members,
   p. accept financial grants, donations, and gifts of any kind,
   q. adopt, amend, or repeal rules of procedure relating to the functioning of the Global Alliance Bureau and its sub-committees, for the purpose of regulating and clarifying any matter covered by this Statute. Any decision to adopt, amend, or repeal a rule shall be circulated to all members of the Global Alliance as soon as possible.
3. The powers set out in subparagraphs c, g, h, i, l, m, n, o, and p shall be exercised by the Chairperson of the Global Alliance in accordance with general decisions of the Global Alliance Bureau. With respect to financial matters of major significance to the Global Alliance, the Chairperson of the Global Alliance shall consult the Chairperson of the Finance Committee. The Chairperson of the Global Alliance may authorize Global Alliance staff to make payments in accordance with internal financial regulations established by the Chairperson of the Global Alliance and the Finance Committee of the Alliance.

Article 47, Membership Fees

The Global Alliance Bureau shall, whenever it considers it appropriate, recommend to the General Assembly the imposition of an annual membership fee to be determined by the General Assembly. Once the fee is determined, the Global Alliance Bureau shall establish procedures for the collection of membership fees. The Global Alliance Bureau may, at its discretion, exempt a member wholly or partially from the annual fee if satisfied that the member is unable to pay the amount due.

Article 48, Meetings of the Global Alliance Bureau

A meeting of the Global Alliance Bureau shall be held in connection with each General Assembly of the Global Alliance and at least twice a year. The Global Alliance Bureau may also meet at such time and place as it or the Chairperson of the Global Alliance may determine. Written notice of a meeting shall be given by the Chairperson of the Global Alliance at least four weeks before the date fixed, unless the Bureau agrees to a shorter period. A draft agenda shall be provided to members together with the written notice of the meeting.

Article 49, Chairperson of the Global Alliance and Secretary of the Global Alliance

The Chairperson of the Global Alliance, or the Secretary in the Chairperson’s absence, shall preside over the proceedings of General Assemblies and of the Global Alliance Bureau in accordance with established practices and authorities, and pursuant to such directions as may from time to time be given by the General Assembly.

In particular, the Chairperson of the Global Alliance, or in his or her absence the Secretary of the Global Alliance, or a representative of an “A” status accredited National Institution designated by the Chairperson of the Global Alliance, may speak before the Human Rights Council, its mechanisms, and human rights treaty bodies, and, when invited, before other international organizations:
on behalf of the Global Alliance on matters authorized by the General Assembly or the Global Alliance Bureau,
on behalf of any National Institution where so authorized,
on human rights issues of relevance in order to promote the policy determined by the General Assembly, the triennial conference, or the Global Alliance Bureau,
and generally in furtherance of the objectives of the Global Alliance.

Article 50, Conduct of Business of the Global Alliance Bureau

Article 50.1

Arabic, English, French, and Spanish are the working languages of the Global Alliance Bureau. Accordingly, documents issued by the Global Alliance should be made available in those languages.

Article 50.2

Paid staff and employees of the Global Alliance shall attend meetings of the Global Alliance Bureau in an advisory capacity only and shall not have voting rights.

A quorum of at least one-half of the total membership of the Global Alliance Bureau shall be required for decision-making.

Article 50.3

The Chairperson of the Global Alliance shall prepare a draft agenda for each meeting in consultation with the members of the Global Alliance Bureau. Items may be added to the agenda at the meeting if approved by a majority of members present.

Article 50.4

Members of the Global Alliance Bureau may be accompanied at meetings by advisers, including representatives of the relevant Regional Network. Such persons shall attend as advisers to members and as observers at the meeting, and may participate in discussions at the request and invitation of the Chairperson of the Global Alliance.

Article 50.5

Each member of the Global Alliance Bureau shall have one vote. Wherever possible, the Global Alliance Bureau shall reach decisions by consensus. Where consensus is not possible, decisions shall be taken by a majority of members present and voting. In the event of a tie, the proposal voted on shall be deemed rejected.

Article 50.6

The Global Alliance Bureau may invite National Institutions, whether or not they are members of the Global Alliance, and any other person or institution, to participate in a meeting of the Global Alliance Bureau as observers.

Article 50.7

Notwithstanding Article 50 above, the Global Alliance Bureau may decide any matter in writing and without the need to convene a formal meeting, provided that a majority of its members agree to this procedure.

Article 50.8

The Global Alliance Bureau, through the Chairperson of the Global Alliance or, in the Chairperson’s absence, through the Secretary of the Global Alliance, shall report to General Assemblies on the activities undertaken by the Global Alliance, the Global Alliance Bureau, and its staff since the previous General Assembly.

Article 50.9

Members of the Global Alliance Bureau shall serve on a voluntary basis and shall therefore receive no remuneration, honorarium, or compensation. They may, however, in exceptional circumstances, receive reimbursement for travel costs or actual expenses.

Article 51

Should any matter relating to the procedures of the Global Alliance Bureau arise that is not provided for in this Statute, the Global Alliance Bureau may adopt such procedures as it considers appropriate.

Section 11, Financial Administration

Article 52, Financial Year

The financial year shall commence on 1 January and end on 31 December of each year.

Section 12, Assets of the Global Alliance

Article 53, Assets

The assets of the Global Alliance shall consist of:
grants received from international and national organizations of the public and semi-public sectors,
donations,
subscriptions,
funds deposited with it by organizations, associations, businesses, or other institutions,
income and property of every kind from whatever source.

Article 54, Use of Assets

The assets of the Global Alliance shall be used exclusively to promote the objectives of the Global Alliance as set out in Section 3, and in accordance with the principles of the Global Alliance as set out in Article 7.

Section 13, Dissolution and Liquidation

Article 55, Dissolution

The Global Alliance may be dissolved by decision of the General Assembly of the Global Alliance at a General Assembly convened specifically for that purpose. At least one-half of the voting members must be present. If one-half are not present, the General Assembly shall be reconvened after an interval of two weeks. In that case, the General Assembly may deliberate regardless of the number of voting members present. In all cases, dissolution shall only be approved by a three-quarters majority of the voting members present, abstentions not being counted.

Article 56, Liquidation of Assets

The dissolution and liquidation of the assets of the Global Alliance shall be carried out by one or more liquidators appointed by the General Assembly. The General Assembly shall authorize the liquidator or liquidators to transfer the net assets to a non-profit organization pursuing the same public interest objectives as the Global Alliance and benefiting from tax exemption. Under no circumstances shall the assets be returned to members, nor shall members use any part or all of those assets for their private benefit.

Section 14, Rules of Procedure

Article 57, Adoption, Amendment, or Repeal of the Rules of Procedure

The General Assembly may adopt, amend, or repeal rules of procedure, without prejudice to Article 46(q), in relation to the working methods of the Global Alliance, including General Assemblies and international conferences, for the purpose of regulating and clarifying any matter covered by this Statute.

Section 15, Amendment of the Statute

Article 58

This Statute may be amended only by the General Assembly of the Global Alliance. Wherever possible, decisions shall be taken by consensus, failing which by a qualified majority of two-thirds of the voting members present, abstentions not being counted.

Section 16, Official Language

Article 59

The English version of this document shall be the original version and shall prevail in the event of any inconsistency with versions in the other working languages of the Global Alliance.

Signed:
Chairperson of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions
Secretary of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions
Maryam Abdullah Al Attiyah