{"id":2756,"date":"2025-03-31T09:01:12","date_gmt":"2025-03-31T09:01:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nhrclb.org\/?p=2756"},"modified":"2025-03-31T10:43:38","modified_gmt":"2025-03-31T10:43:38","slug":"nhris-commit-to-advancing-gender-equality-at-the-ganhri-annual-meeting-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nhrclb.org\/en\/archives\/2756","title":{"rendered":"NHRIs commit to advancing gender equality at the GANHRI Annual Meeting 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) from around the world, have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing gender equality and protecting the rights of women and girls at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the <\/span>Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI)<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The event, held in Geneva from 10-12 March, brought together NHRIs, UN agencies, civil society organisations, and human rights experts to address challenges, share best practices, and drive progress on a range of human rights issues.<\/span><\/p>\n

A key focus was <\/span>the role of NHRIs in advancing gender equality and strengthening human rights protection for women and girls<\/b>, providing an opportunity for participants to collaborate on solutions and enhance efforts toward gender equality.<\/span><\/p>\n

GANHRI Chairperson Ms. Maryam Al Attiyah opened the session with a call to action: \u201cGender equality is not only a fundamental right but a prerequisite for sustainable and just societies. The time for action is now,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker T\u00fcrk highlighted the essential role of NHRIs, emphasising their deep understanding of both global legal frameworks and national contexts, stating: \u201cYou are uniquely placed as advocates of international law and experts on the national context.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Gender equality is not only a fundamental right but a prerequisite for sustainable and just societies. The time for action is now.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Ms. Maryam Al Attiyah, GANHRI Chairperson<\/span><\/p>\n

The event also included the GANHRI Bureau Meeting, General Assembly, regional network sessions, and Knowledge Exchange discussions, as well as the election of new GANHRI leadership positions. Ms. Amina Bouayach (Morocco) was appointed as Chairperson, and Ms. Alyson Kilpatrick (Northern Ireland) as Secretary. Members expressed deep appreciation to outgoing Chairperson Maryam Al Attiyah for her dedicated leadership and contributions.<\/span><\/p>\n

During the Annual Meeting, an APF side event titled <\/span>\u201cNational Action on International Issues\u201d<\/b> explored the role of NHRIs in addressing extra-territorial human rights violations, particularly in the Asia Pacific. Moderated by APF Chairperson Ms Samar Haj Hasan, the session covered key issues including conflict, military rule, climate change, migrant workers\u2019 rights, and business-related human rights impacts beyond national borders.<\/span><\/p>\n

Key speakers included Professor Chris Sidoti, who introduced a new <\/span>APF policy paper on NHRI extra-territorial jurisdiction<\/span><\/a>; Issam Aruri, Commissioner General of the Palestine Independent Commission for Human Rights; and Pornprapai Ganjanarintr, Chairperson of Thailand\u2019s National Human Rights Commission, who shared regional perspectives.<\/span><\/p>\n

A moment of silence was held to honour two human rights defenders: Raafat Salha, Director of the Gaza Office at the Palestine Independent Commission for Human Rights, killed in an Israeli airstrike, and Roseline Odede, former Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Annual Meeting culminated in the adoption of an <\/span>Outcome Statement<\/span><\/a>, reinforcing commitments to gender equality, NHRI accountability, and stronger protections for women and girls.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ahead of the main sessions, the <\/span>APF Governance Committee<\/b> and <\/span>Regional Meeting<\/b> on 9\u201310 March provided a platform for members to assess progress, address GANHRI-related matters, and discuss regional human rights priorities.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is worth noting that the National Human Rights Institution in Lebanon, which includes the Committee for the Prevention of Torture, is still classified as an observer within the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), as it has not yet applied for accreditation under Category \u201cA\u201d due to the non-issuance of the regulatory decrees. The approval of these decrees is considered one of the most important requirements for obtaining this accreditation. Furthermore, the documentation must confirm that the institution receives adequate and independent government funding that ensures it can effectively carry out its mandate in accordance with the Paris Principles.<\/span><\/p>\n

Category \u201cA\u201d accreditation is a fundamental international standard for the legitimacy and credibility of national human rights institutions. It requires compliance with the Paris Principles, which outline their independence, broad mandate, transparency in the appointment of members, and adequate government funding that guarantees their actual independence.<\/span><\/p>\n

This accreditation grants national human rights institutions prestigious international status, enabling them to:<\/span><\/p>\n