GLOBAL ALLIANCE OF NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS
GANHRI
STATUTE
[version adopted at the General Assembly on 15 March 2023]
PREAMBLE
The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), formerly known as
International Coordinating Committee of national institutions for the promotion and protection of
human rights (ICC), began its activities in 1993, when at their first international conference held
in Tunis, National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) established the ICC with the aim to
coordinate the activities of the NHRIs at the global level.
The decision to replace the name “International Coordinating Committee of national institutions
for the promotion and protection of human rights” (ICC) with the new name “Global Alliance of
National Human Rights Institutions” (GANHRI) was adopted by the General Meeting on 22 March
2016.
GANHRI promotes the role of NHRIs worldwide, provides a forum for its members to interact and
exchange, and facilitates their engagement with international organizations.
GANHRI is constituted as a non-profit organization under Swiss law.
GANHRI created by this Statute gives independent corporate personality to the loose
arrangement of NHRIs hitherto existing under the former Rules of Procedure.
The Statute, first adopted on 21 October 2008 in Nairobi, has gone through a series of revisions
in the past years and it was amended at previous General Meetings in Geneva on 24 March 2009,
on 19 May 2011, on 20 March 2012, on 7 May 2013, on 22 March 2016, on 7 March 2017, on 22
February 2018 and lastly on 5 March 2019.
SECTION 1: DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
Article 1
In this Statute
Days means calendar days, not working days;
GANHRI means the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions referred to in the United
Nations Commission on Human Rights resolution 2005/74 and the United Nations Human Rights
Council resolution 5/1, which is now given independent corporate personality by this Statute;
GANHRI Bureau means the committee of management established under Article 43 of this
Statute;
GANHRI Chairperson means the individual elected as Chairperson under Articles 34 and 45;
GANHRI Head Office means the principal office of GANHRI;
1General Observations means the standards developed by the Sub-Committee on Accreditation
pursuant to section 2.2 of its Rules of Procedure;
GANHRI Members mean the voting members and non-voting members;
GANHRI Secretariat means the relevant unit in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human
Rights that is designated responsibility for National Human Rights Institutions;
GANHRI Secretary means the individual elected as Secretary under Article 34 who acts as the
Deputy to the Chairperson to carry out the role and functions of the Chairperson in her or his
absence, including the functions referred to in Article 49;
GANHRI staff means personnel employed by GANHRI;
NHRI means a National Human Rights Institution, which is an independent national institution
established by a Member or Observer State of the United Nations with a constitutional or
legislative mandate to promote and protect human rights, and which is, or intends to be, accredited
by GANHRI in line with the Paris Principles;
Observer means an institution or person granted permission to participate in GANHRI meetings
or other open meetings or workshops without voting rights and without the right to speak unless
invited to do so by the Chairperson of the meeting or workshop;
OHCHR means the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights;
Paris Principles means the Principles Relating to the Status of National Institutions 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 NHRIs in each of the regional groupings of
Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe, namely:
• Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI);
• Network of National Human Rights Institutions of the Americas (RINDHCA);
• Asia-Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institution (APF); and
• European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI);
SCA means the Subcommittee of GANHRI responsible for making recommendations on
accreditation under the auspices of OHCHR, referred to in United Nations Commission on Human
Rights resolution 2005/74, and which is formally established by the Statute as a sub-committee
of the GANHRI Bureau;
SCA Rules of Procedure means the “Rules of Procedure for the GANHRI Sub-Committee on
Accreditation” adopted by the SCA and approved by GANHRI Bureau pursuant to Article 11.2 of
the Statute;
Voting Member means an NHRI which is a member of GANHRI and is accredited with an ‘A’
status; and Non-voting Member means an NHRI which is a member of GANHRI and is accredited
with ‘B’ status;
‘Writing’ or ‘Written’ includes any hand-written, typed or printed communication including telex,
cable, electronic mail and facsimile transmissions.
SECTION 2: NAME, LOGO AND REGISTERED OFFICE
Art 2
Name and legal status
1. A non-profit association is hereby created by the NHRIs subscribing to this present Statute,
according to Articles 60 and following of the Swiss Civil Code as an international
association possessing legal personality independent of its members.
2. The name of the association is the Global Alliance of National Human Rights
Institutions, formerly known as the Association International Coordinating Committee of
2National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, in this Statute
referred to as GANHRI.
The duration of GANHRI is unlimited.
3. Article 3
Logo
The official logo of GANHRI, in each of the working languages, is the following images:
Article 4
Registered office
The registered office of GANHRI is in Geneva, Switzerland and located there (Head Office).
SECTION 3: PURPOSE
Article 5
Objective
GANHRI is the global association of NHRIs which promotes and strengthens NHRIs to operate in
line with the Paris Principles and provides leadership in the promotion and protection of human
rights.
Article 6
Collaboration with OHCHR
General Meetings of GANHRI, meetings of the GANHRI Bureau and of the SCA, as well as
International Conferences of GANHRI shall be held under the auspices of, and in cooperation
with, OHCHR.
Article 7
Functions and Principles
1) The functions of GANHRI are:
a) To coordinate at an international level the activities of NHRIs established in conformity
with the Paris Principles, including such activities as:
i) Interaction and cooperation with the United Nations, including the OHCHR, the Human
Rights Council, its mechanisms, United Nations human rights treaty bodies, as well as
other international organisations;
ii) Collaboration and coordination amongst NHRIs and the Regional Networks;
3iii) Communication amongst members, and with stakeholders including, where
appropriate, the general public;
iv) Development of knowledge;
v) Management of knowledge;
vi) Development of guidelines, policies, statements;
vii) Implementation of initiatives;
viii) Organisation of conferences.
b) To promote the establishment and strengthening of NHRIs in conformity with the Paris
Principles, including such activities as:
i) Accreditation of new members;
ii) Periodic renewal of accreditation;
iii) Special review of accreditation;
iv) Assistance to NHRIs under threat;
v) Encouraging the provision of technical assistance;
vi) Fostering and promoting education and training opportunities to develop and reinforce
the capacities of NHRIs.
c) To undertake such other functions as are referred to it by its voting members.
2. In fulfilling these functions, GANHRI will work in ways that emphasize the following
principles:
a) Fair, transparent and credible accreditation processes;
b) Timely information and guidance to NHRIs on engagement with the Human Rights
Council, its mechanisms, and United Nations human rights treaty bodies, as well as other
UN bodies, mechanisms and processes in the area of human rights;
c) The dissemination of information and directives concerning the Human Rights Council
and its mechanisms, and United Nations human rights treaty bodies to NHRIs;
d) Mandated representation of NHRIs;
e) Strong relationships with the OHCHR and the Regional Networks that reflect the
complementarity of roles;
f) g) h) Flexibility, transparency and active participation in all processes;
Inclusive decision-making processes based on consensus to the greatest extent possible;
The maintenance of its independence and financial autonomy.
Article 8
International Conference
GANHRI may convene a triennial International Conference in accordance with the Rules of
Procedure of International Conferences of NHRIs.
SECTION 4: LIAISON WITH INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS, OTHER HUMAN
RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS AND NGOs
Article 9
GANHRI may liaise with international organizations, other human rights institutions including the
International Ombudsman Institute, and non-governmental organizations. The GANHRI Bureau
may decide to grant such organizations observer status at any meetings or workshops of GANHRI
or the GANHRI Bureau.
SECTION 5: PARIS PRINCIPLES ACCREDITATION
4Article 10
[Note: Pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, VII Rules of Procedure, rule 7(b),
participation of NHRIs in the work of the Human Rights Council is based on arrangement and
practices agreed upon by the Human Rights Commission including resolution 2005/74 of 20 April
2005. Resolution 2005/74, paragraph 11(a), permitted NHRIs that are accredited by the SCA
under the auspices of OHCHR to exercise participation rights in the Human Rights Commission
and subsidiary bodies of the Commission.]
Application for Accreditation
Any NHRI seeking accreditation under the Paris Principles shall apply to the GANHRI
Chairperson. Through the GANHRI Secretariat, the NHRI shall supply the following in support of
its application:
• a copy of the legislation or other instrument by which it is established and empowered in
its official or published format;
• an outline of its organizational structure including staff complement and annual budget;
• a copy of its most recent annual report or equivalent document in its official or published
format;
• a detailed statement showing how it complies with the Paris Principles as well as any
respects in which it does not so comply and any proposals to ensure compliance. The
GANHRI Bureau may determine the form in which this statement is to be provided.
The application shall be decided pursuant to Articles 11 and 12 of this Statute.
Article 11.1
Decisions
All applications for accreditation under the Paris Principles, shall be decided under the auspices
of, and in cooperation with OHCHR, by the GANHRI Bureau after considering a report from the
SCA on the basis of written evidence submitted.
Article 11.2
In coming to a decision, the GANHRI Bureau and the SCA shall adopt processes that facilitate
dialogue and exchange of information between them and the applicant NHRI as deemed
necessary to come to a fair and just decision.
Article 12.1
Accreditation recommendation and challenge
Where the SCA comes to an accreditation recommendation, it shall be deemed accepted by the
GANHRI Bureau unless it is successfully challenged by the applicant NHRI in accordance with
the following process:
(i) The recommendation of the SCA shall, as soon as practicable, be forwarded to the
applicant NHRI;
(ii) The applicant NHRI can challenge a recommendation of the SCA by submitting a letter
addressed to the GANHRI Chairperson and copied to the GANHRI Secretariat within
twenty-eight (28) days of the date of communication of the recommendation;
(iii) At the end of this twenty-eight (28) day period the GANHRI Secretariat will forward to the
GANHRI Bureau members, as soon as practicable, the recommendations of the SCA. If
the applicant NHRI has not challenged the recommendation, it shall be deemed accepted
by the Bureau;
(iv) If an applicant NHRI submits a challenge within these twenty-eight (28) days, the GANHRI
Secretariat will forward to the GANHRI Bureau members, as soon as practicable, all
5relevant material related to the challenge. The GANHRI Bureau members will be provided
with twenty (20) days to determine whether or not support this challenge;
(v) Any member of the GANHRI Bureau that supports the challenge of the applicant NHRI
shall, within twenty (20) days, notify the Chair of the SCA and the GANHRI Secretariat of
this support. If the challenge does not receive the support of at least one (1) Bureau
member within twenty (20) days, the recommendation of the SCA will be deemed accepted
by the GANHRI Bureau;
(vi) If at least one (1) member of the GANHRI Bureau supports the challenge of the applicant
NHRI within these twenty (20) days, the GANHRI Secretariat will notify members of the
GANHRI Bureau as soon as practicable of this support and will provide any additional
relevant information;
(vii) Once provided with this notification and any additional relevant material, any member of
the GANHRI Bureau that supports the challenge of the applicant NHRI shall, within twenty
(20) days, notify the GANHRI Chairperson and the GANHRI Secretariat of this support. If
the challenge does not receive the support of at least four (4) GANHRI Bureau members
in total coming from not less than two (2) regions within the second twenty (20) day period,
the recommendation of the SCA will be deemed accepted by the GANHRI Bureau;
(viii) If the challenge receives the support of at least four (4) GANHRI Bureau members in total
coming from not less than two (2) regions, the recommendation of the SCA shall be
referred to the following GANHRI Bureau meeting for a decision.
Article 12.2
For the purposes of Article 12.1, the counting of days will commence on the day following the
dispatch of a communication from the GANHRI Secretariat and will conclude at midnight, Central
European Time (Geneva, Switzerland), on the final day.
Article 12.3
A member of the GANHRI Bureau cannot initiate a challenge to a recommendation of the SCA
that has not been challenged by the concerned applicant NHRI.
Article 12.4
Each member of the GANHRI Bureau that supports the challenge of an applicant NHRI must
attest to its support by written communication to the SCA Chairperson and the GANHRI
Secretariat within the time periods specified in Article 12.1.
Article 12.5
of members.
No GANHRI Bureau member may support a challenge on behalf of another member or a group
Article 12.6
An applicant NHRI who is also a member of the GANHRI Bureau cannot support a challenge
made on its own behalf.
Article12.7
An applicant NHRI whose challenge will be heard by the GANHRI Bureau pursuant to Article 12.1
(viii), and who is also a member of the GANHRI Bureau, is excluded from participating in the
Bureau meeting in which the challenge is heard and decided.
Article 12.8
6An alternate member shall be appointed by the Regional Networks to participate in the GANHRI
Bureau, replacing a member whose challenge will be heard by the GANHRI Bureau pursuant to
Article 12.1 (viii) and 12.7. The replacement by the alternate member is for the entire meeting.
Article 13.1
Application for re-accreditation following declination
Should the GANHRI Bureau decide to decline an application for re-accreditation of any NHRI by
reason of its failure to comply with the Paris Principles, the GANHRI Bureau or its delegate may
consult further with that NHRI concerning measures to address its compliance issues.
Article 13.2
Any NHRI whose application for accreditation or re-accreditation has been declined may reapply
for accreditation, according to the guidelines under Article 10, at any time. Such an application
may be considered at the next meeting of the SCA.
Article 14.1
Deferral
The SCA may decide to defer an application rather than make a decision on status. The deferral
decision(s) shall be limited to a period of two (2) years, except in exceptional circumstances that
may justify a longer period. In any event, the total duration of the deferral shall not exceed the
periodic cycle set out in Article 15.
Article 14.2
A decision of the SCA to defer an application for accreditation or re-accreditation is not a
recommendation to the GANHRI Bureau and cannot be challenged under the provisions of Article
12.
Article 15
Periodic re-accreditation
All NHRIs that hold ‘A’ status are subject to re-accreditation on a five year cyclical basis. Articles
10, 11 and 12 apply to all NHRIs undergoing re-accreditation. In particular, reference to an
application for accreditation means both the initial application and the application for re-
accreditation.
Article 16.1
Special Review
Where the circumstances of any NHRI change in any way that may affect its continued compliance
with the Paris Principles, that NHRI shall notify the GANHRI Chairperson of those changes and
the GANHRI Chairperson shall place the matter before the SCA for review of that NHRI’s
accreditation status.
Article 16.2
Review of accreditation status
Where, in the opinion of the GANHRI Chairperson or the SCA, it appears that the circumstances
of any accredited NHRI may have changed in a way that affects its compliance with the Paris
Principles, the GANHRI Chairperson may request that the SCA initiate or the SCA may decide to
initiate a review of that NHRI’s accreditation status.
7Article 16.3
A decision of the SCA to initiate a Special Review is not a recommendation to the GANHRI Bureau
and cannot be challenged under the provisions of Article 12.
Article 16.4
Any review of the accreditation classification of an NHRI must be finalized within eighteen (18)
months.
Article 17
Powers and responsibilities
On any review the GANHRI Chairperson and the SCA shall have all the powers and
responsibilities as in an application under Article 10.
Article 18.1
Alteration or removal of accreditation status
In considering an application for re-accreditation pursuant to Article 15 of this Statute or a Special
Review pursuant to Article 16.2 of this Statute, the SCA may recommend that the NHRI’s
accreditation status is either:
(i) downgraded from ‘A’ status to ‘B’ status, where applicable;
(ii) maintained; or
(iii) removed.
The SCA may recommend the removal of accreditation status under this article where an NHRI
is
a) operating in a manner that seriously compromises its independence and/or
effectiveness; or
b) subjected to significant amendments to its legal mandate
to an extent that it can no longer be accredited as an NHRI within the framework of the Paris
Principles.
The SCA may also recommend the removal of existing accreditation status where there is a clear
indication by the applicable UN Member State that another institution is intended to act as the
NHRI, and the SCA subsequently accredits that institution.
Article 18.2
Alteration of accreditation classification
Any decision that would serve to downgrade or remove accreditation status from an NHRI under
Article 18.1 can only be taken after the NHRI is informed of this intention and is given the
opportunity to provide, in writing, within one (1) year of receipt of such notice, the written evidence
deemed necessary to establish its continued compliance with the Paris Principles. Upon failure of
the NHRI to do so, its status will be downgraded or removed, where applicable.
Article 18.3
Authority to remove accreditation status
Accreditation status may be removed by the GANHRI Bureau where
a) the institution was previously accredited with C-status;
b) the institution has been dissolved or has otherwise ceased to be operational; or
c) the institution has informed GANHRI that it no longer wishes to be accredited.
Article 18.4
Authority to immediately suspend accreditation status in exceptional circumstances
8Where, in the opinion of GANHRI Chairperson or the SCA, an exceptional circumstance
necessitating the urgent suspension of the accreditation status of an NHRI, the GANHRI Bureau
may decide to immediately suspend the accreditation status of that institution and request the
SCA to initiate a special review, pursuant to Article 16.2 of this Statute.
Article 18.5
Process for immediate suspension of accreditation in exceptional circumstances
The decision of the GANHRI Bureau in such exceptional circumstance is final and is subject to
the following process:
(i) The GANHRI Chairperson, through the GANHRI Secretariat, will immediately notify the
GANHRI Bureau and the NHRI in question of the alleged existence of an exceptional
circumstance pursuant to Article 18.4 and the recommendation to suspend the accreditation
classification of that NHRI;
(ii) The NHRI can challenge the recommendation by submitting a letter addressed to the GANHRI
Chairperson, and copied to the GANHRI Secretariat, within twenty-eight (28) days of the date
of communication of the recommendation;
(iii) Any member of the GANHRI Bureau that supports the challenge of the NHRI shall, within
twenty (20) days, notify the GANHRI Chairperson and the GANHRI Secretariat. If the
challenge does not receive the support of at least one (1) GANHRI Bureau member within
twenty (20) days, the recommendation to suspend will be deemed accepted by the GANHRI
Bureau;
(iv) If at least one (1) member of the GANHRI Bureau supports the challenge of the NHRI within
these twenty (20) days, the GANHRI Secretariat will notify all GANHRI Bureau members as
soon as practicable of this support and will provide any additional relevant material;
(v) Once provided with this notification and any additional relevant material, any other member of
the GANHRI Bureau that supports the challenge of the NHRI shall, within twenty (20) days,
notify the GANHRI Chairperson and the GANHRI Secretariat of this support.
(vi) If at least two (2) GANHRI Bureau members in total coming from not less than two (2) regions
support the challenge pursuant to Article 18.5 (iv) and (v) of the NHRI, the recommendation
shall be referred to the following GANHRI Bureau meeting for decision. Otherwise, the
recommendation to suspend the accreditation classification is deemed approved by the
GANHRI Bureau.
Article 18.6
For the purposes of Articles 18.4 and 18.5, an “exceptional circumstance” refers to a sudden and
dramatic change in the internal political order of a state such as:
– a break in the constitutional or democratic order;
– a declared state of emergency; or
– gross violations of human rights;
and this is accompanied by any of the following:
– there is a change in the NHRI enabling legislation or other applicable law that is contrary to
the Paris Principles;
– there is a change in the composition of the NHRI that is not undertaken in accordance with
the established selection and / or appointment process; or
– the NHRI acts in a way that seriously compromises its compliance with the Paris Principles.
Article 19
Suspension for failure to re-apply
9An accreditation classification held by an NHRI may be suspended if the NHRI fails to submit an
application for re-accreditation or fails to do so within the prescribed time without justification.
Article 20
Lapse of accreditation status
An accreditation classification may lapse if an NHRI fails to submit an application for re-
accreditation within one (1) year of being suspended for failure to reapply.
Article 21
Duration of suspension
NHRIs whose accreditation has been suspended remain suspended until the body determining
their compliance with the Paris Principles under this Statute comes to a determination of their
accreditation status or until their accreditation lapses.
Article 22
Re-application after lapse of accreditation status
NHRIs whose accreditation status has lapsed or been revoked may regain accreditation only by
re-applying for accreditation as provided for in Article 10 of this Statute.
Article 23
Loss of privileges associated with accreditation
In the event that accreditation lapses or is revoked or suspended, all rights and privileges
conferred on that NHRI through accreditation immediately cease. In the event that an NHRI is
under review, it shall retain the accreditation status it has been granted until such time as the body
determining membership comes to a decision as to its compliance with the Paris Principles or its
membership lapses.
SECTION 6: MEMBERS
Article 24.1
Eligibility and voting rights
Only NHRIs which comply fully with the Paris Principles, being those which have been accredited
with ‘A’ status in accordance with the procedure established under this Statute, shall be eligible
to be voting members of GANHRI.
Article 24.2
NHRIs that are partially compliant with the Paris Principles, being those which have been
accredited with a ‘B’ status in accordance with the procedure established under this Statute, shall
be eligible to become a non-voting member.
Article 25
Applications for membership
Any NHRIs wishing to become a member of GANHRI shall apply in writing to the GANHRI
Chairperson giving:
• in the case of an application for voting membership, particulars of the date on which it was
accredited with A status; and,
• in the case of an application for non-voting membership, particulars of the date on which
it was accredited with B status.
10In either case, the applicant must indicate their agreement to be bound by this Statute as amended
from time to time (including as to the payment of applicable annual membership subscription).
The application shall be considered and decided by the GANHRI Bureau.
Article 26
Cessation of membership
An NHRI shall cease to be a member of GANHRI upon written notice by that NHRI of resignation
given to the GANHRI Chairperson, but without prejudice to the obligation of the NHRI to discharge
outstanding fiscal obligations due to GANHRI at the dates of resignation.
Article 27
Revocation of membership
Membership may be revoked by resolution of the GANHRI Bureau if the body determining
accreditation status under this Statute determines that a member no longer meets the
membership eligibility requirements in Article 24.
Article 28
Cancellation of membership
Membership may be cancelled by resolution of the GANHRI Bureau if that member has failed for
six (6) months or more to pay an annual subscription that is due and owing.
Article 29.1
Re-admission to membership
An NHRI whose membership has been revoked, or has been cancelled for non-payment of an
annual subscription, may regain membership be re-applying for membership under Article 25 of
this Statute.
Article 29.2
Where membership has been cancelled for non-payment of a subscription, re-admission to
membership shall be subject to payment of the outstanding subscription or so much thereof as
the GANHRI Bureau shall determine.
Article 30
Independence of members
Notwithstanding anything in this Statute, the independence, authority and national status of
members, and their powers, duties and functions under their own legislative mandates, and their
participation in the different international fora on human rights shall in no way be affected by the
creation of GANHRI or its functioning.
SECTION 7: REGIONAL NETWORKS OF MEMBERS
Article 31.1
For the purpose of ensuring a fair balance of regional representation on GANHRI the following
regions are determined and the following Regional Networks are recognized as representing the
regions:
▪ Africa: Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI)
11▪ The Americas: Network of National Human Rights Institutions of the Americas (RINDHCA)
▪ Asia-Pacific: Asia-Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institution (APF)
▪ Europe: European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI)
Article 31.2
wish.
The members within any Regional Network may establish such sub-regional groupings as they
Article 31.3
and activities.
The members of Regional Networks may establish their own procedures concerning meetings
Article 31.4
Each Regional Network is to appoint four (4) members and one (1) alternate member accredited
with an ‘A’ status to represent the Regional Network on the GANHRI Bureau. This includes the
GANHRI Chairperson and the GANHRI Secretary as elected under Article 34.
SECTION 8: GENERAL ASSEMBLIES OF MEMBERS
Article 32
of the association.
The General Assembly is composed by GANHRI members and constitutes the supreme authority
Article 33
Duties
The duties of the General Assembly include control of the activities of GANHRI, review and control
of the activities of the GANHRI Bureau, ratification of the program of GANHRI activities, the
amendment of this Statute, consideration of funding issues and the fixing of annual membership
subscriptions to be paid by members accredited with “A” status, provided however the decision of
the GANHRI Bureau on accreditation determinations shall not be subject to review or control by
the General Assembly.
Article 34.1
Ratification of GANHRI Bureau members; election of the GANHRI Chairperson and the
GANHRI Secretary
The General Assembly ratifies the appointment of the members of the GANHRI Bureau made
pursuant to Article 31.4. The GANHRI Bureau members shall be represented in the GANHRI
Bureau by their respective head of the NHRI or, in exceptional cases, by a member of the senior
leadership of the NHRI upon delegation by the head of the NHRI.
Article 34.2
The General Assembly elects two individuals, heads of ‘A’ status NHRIs, proposed by the relevant
Regional Network pursuant to the rotation implemented under Article 45 as the GANHRI
Chairperson and the GANHRI Secretary.
12Article 35
Meetings
The General Assembly gathers at least once a year, preferably in conjunction with a session of
the Human Rights Council upon written notice given by the GANHRI Bureau to the members at
least six (6) weeks in advance and at such other times required according to the law including
when requested by one fifth (1/5) or more of the voting members. Such a request by voting
members shall be made at least six (6) weeks in advance and in writing to the GANHRI
Chairperson.
Article 36
Extraordinary General Assembly
Where circumstances require an urgent decision by the General Assembly, which cannot wait for
a regular convocation of a General Assembly according to Article 36.1, the GANHRI Chairperson,
with the consent of the GANHRI Bureau, can call an Extraordinary General Assembly.
The Extraordinary General Assembly may not take place earlier than twenty (24) hours after the
convocation of the Extraordinary General Assembly.
Decisions of the Extraordinary General Assembly are passed by the majority of voting members
present in person or via telecommunications systems, or duly represented (abstentions do not
count).
Article 37
Agenda
The draft agenda of the meeting shall be submitted to the members with the written notice of
meeting or, for ordinary General Assemblies, at least six (6) weeks before the meeting.
SECTION 9: RIGHT TO VOTE AND DECISIONS
Article 38
Voting, non-voting members and observers
At General Assemblies only voting members shall be entitled to vote. Non-voting members have
the right to participate and speak in General Assemblies. The GANHRI Chairperson, after
consultation with the GANHRI Bureau, may invite NHRIs who are not members of GANHRI and
any other person or institution to participate as an observer in the General Assemblies.
Article 39
Eligibility in case of more than one NHRI in a state
At General Assemblies only one (1) NHRI per Member State of the United Nations shall be eligible
to be a voting member. Where more than one (1) NHRI in a State qualifies for membership that
State shall have one (1) speaking right, one (1) voting right, and if elected, one (1) GANHRI
Bureau member or alternate member. The choice of an NHRI to represent the NHRIs of a
particular State shall be for the relevant NHRIs to determine.
Article 40
Mode of decisions
13Where possible, decisions are made by consensus. Otherwise, decisions of the General
Assembly are passed by the majority of voting (abstentions do not count). The General Assembly
will only deal with matters that are summarized in the agenda.
Article 41
Quorum
(i) A quorum of at least one half (1/2) of the total number of voting members is necessary to
hold a General Assembly or and Extraordinary General Assembly. In Extraordinary
General Assemblies members may be duly represented or participate via
telecommunication systems.
(ii) A quorum of at least one half (1/2) of the voting member present is necessary for the
General Assembly to take decisions (abstentions do not count).
Article 42
Working languages
Arabic, English, French and Spanish shall be the working languages of GANHRI. As a result,
documents from GANHRI should be available in these languages.
SECTION 10: GANHRI BUREAU
Article 43
Composition
GANHRI is managed by a committee entitled GANHRI Bureau which shall comprise sixteen (16)
individuals, including the GANHRI Chairperson and the GANHRI Secretary, appointed and
elected pursuant to Articles 31.4 and 34.
Article 44.1
Replacement
In the event that a the GANHRI Bureau member ceases to hold an ‘A’ status accreditation, or the
member’s appointment under Article 34.1 is withdrawn by the Regional Network, the NHRI shall
cease to be a member of the GANHRI Bureau and the Regional Network shall thereupon appoint
another NHRI who shall act as a casual member of GANHRI Bureau until ratification at the next
General Assembly. This provision also applies to alternate members appointed pursuant to Article
31.4.
Article 44.2
In the event that the NHRI of the GANHRI Chairperson or the GANHRI Secretary ceases to hold
an ‘A’ status accreditation, or that the NHRI is under notice of intention to downgrade its status
pursuant to Art. 18.2, or that the GANHRI Chairperson or the GANHRI Secretary ceases to hold
his/her domestic mandate, the term of office of the GANHRI Chairperson or the GANHRI
Secretary shall end immediately.
The relevant Regional Network under Article 45 shall appoint a new candidate within ninety (90)
days after the notice of resignation who shall act as a casual GANHRI Chairperson or GANHRI
Secretary until the next General Assembly.
Article 45
Rotation
14The GANHRI Chairperson and the GANHRI Secretary shall be elected on a geographically
rotational basis by the General Assembly for a non-renewable term of three (3) years. The order
of rotation shall be: the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Europe.
Article 46
Powers of the GANHRI Bureau
1. The GANHRI Bureau is empowered to act generally in the name of GANHRI and to carry
out the purpose and functions of GANHRI.
2. Without limiting the generality of the powers of management the GANHRI Bureau is
empowered to:
a) b) c) d) decide applications for accreditation after considering a recommendation from the SCA;
decide applications for membership of GANHRI;
summon General Assemblies of GANHRI;
collaborate and work with UN bodies, mechanisms and processes, as well as OHCHR and
UNDP, in particular work with OHCHR in connection with the GANHRI accreditation
process, the General Assemblies of GANHRI, meetings of the GANHRI Bureau and
international conferences of NHRIs. In addition, OHCHR will facilitate and coordinate the
participation of NHRIs in the Human Rights Council, its mechanisms, and the United
Nations human rights treaty bodies;
e) use and accept the services of OHCHR as the Secretariat for GANHRI, the GANHRI
Bureau and its SCA;
f) appoint a Finance Committee from members of GANHRI, consisting of one member
nominated from each Regional Network for a total of four members, which will act as
treasurer of GANHRI;
g) h) i) j) acquire, lease, dispose of or otherwise deal in property of any kind;
open bank accounts, appoint signatories thereto and define the authority of the signatories;
spend money and do all things it considers desirable to promote the purposes of GANHRI;
delegate any function to a nominated person, standing committee or subcommittee of
persons or members;
k) co-ordinate and arrange conferences, meetings, standing committees and sub-
committees, and other activities;
l) engage, dismiss or suspend employees, agents and contractors;
m) enter into contracts;
n) engage professional assistance for the preparation of annual and other financial
statements, to obtain legal advice, and for any other purpose;
o) prepare and disseminate information notes, bulletins and papers of any kind to members,
and to promote generally information about human rights issues and activities of the
Human Rights Council, its mechanisms, the United Nations human rights treaty bodies,
other relevant UN bodies, mechanisms and processes, and of GANHRI in which members
could have an interest;
p) receive financial grants and donations, and gifts of any kind;
q) adopt, amend or revoke rules of procedure in relation to the working methods of the
GANHRI Bureau and GANHRI sub-committees to regulate or clarify any matter
contemplated by this Statute. Every decision to adopt, amend or revoke a rule shall as
soon as practicable be circulated to all members of GANHRI.
3. The powers under sub-paragraphs c), g), h), i), l), m), n), o), p) are delegated to the
GANHRI Chairperson, who shall make use of them in accordance with the general
decisions of the GANHRI Bureau. In matters with considerable financial implications for
GANHRI, the GANHRI Chairperson shall consult the Chairperson of the Finance
Committee. The GANHRI Chairperson may authorize GANHRI staff members to make
15payments in accordance with internal financial regulations to be established by the
GANHRI Chairperson and the GANHRI Finance Committee.
Article 47
Membership Subscription
The GANHRI Bureau shall as and when it considers appropriate recommend to the General
Assembly that an annual membership subscription shall be set by the General Assembly. Once
set the GANHRI Bureau will ensure procedures are in place to collect membership subscriptions.
The GANHRI Bureau in its discretion may waive, in whole or in part, the annual subscription for a
member if satisfied that the member is unable to pay the full amount due.
Article 48
Meetings of the GANHRI Bureau
A meeting of the GANHRI Bureau shall be held in conjunction with each General Assembly of
GANHRI and at least two (2) times each year. Otherwise, the GANHRI Bureau shall meet at such
times and places as it or the GANHRI Chairperson shall decide. Written notice summoning a
meeting shall be given by the GANHRI Chairperson at least four (4) weeks in advance unless the
GANHRI Bureau agrees to a shorter period for that meeting. The draft agenda of the meeting
shall be submitted to the members with the written notice of meeting.
Article 49
The GANHRI Chairperson and the GANHRI Secretary
The GANHRI Chairperson, or in his or her absence the GANHRI Secretary, shall direct the work
of the General Assemblies and the GANHRI Bureau in accordance with the developed practices
and authorities and as directed from time to time by the General Assembly.
In particular, the GANHRI Chairperson, or in his or her absence the GANHRI Secretary, or a
representative from an ‘A’ status NHRI delegated by the GANHRI Chairperson may speak at the
Human Rights Council, its mechanisms, United Nations treaty bodies and, when invited, at other
international organisations:
• on behalf of GANHRI on topics authorised by the General Assembly or the GANHRI
Bureau;
• on behalf of individual NHRIs when authorised by them;
• on thematic human rights issues to promote policy decided by a General Assembly, a
triennial conference or by the GANHRI Bureau; and
• generally to advance the objects of GANHRI.
Article 50.1
Conduct of GANHRI Bureau business
1. Arabic, English, French and Spanish shall be the working languages of the GANHRI
Bureau. As a result, documents from GANHRI should be available in these languages.
2. GANHRI paid staff and employees attend the GANHRI Bureau meetings, with only a
consultative role and with no right to vote.
Article 50.2
A quorum of at least one half (1/2) of the total number of Bureau members is necessary to take
decisions.
Article 50.3
16A draft agenda for each meeting shall be drawn up by the GANHRI Chairperson in consultation
with the GANHRI Bureau members. Agenda items may be added at the meeting if approved by a
majority of the members present.
Article 50.4
Members of the GANHRI Bureau may be accompanied at meetings by advisers, including, by
representatives from the relevant Regional Network. Such persons attend in the capacity of
advisers to their members and observers to the meeting, and may participate in discussions at
the call and invitation of the GANHRI Chairperson.
Article 50.5
Each member of the GANHRI Bureau shall have one (1) vote. Where possible, decisions of the
GANHRI Bureau shall be reached by consensus. When consensus is not possible, decisions shall
be by a majority of members present and voting. In the event of an equality of votes, the proposal
being voted on shall be regarded as defeated.
Article 50.6
The GANHRI Bureau may invite NHRIs whether or not members of GANHRI and any other person
or institution to participate in the GANHRI Bureau as an observer.
Article 50.7
Notwithstanding the forgoing provisions of Article 50, the GANHRI Bureau may decide any matter
in writing without the need to formally summon a meeting provided that a majority of members of
the GANHRI Bureau concur with the decision.
Article 50.8
The GANHRI Bureau, through the GANHRI Chairperson or in her or his absence through the
GANHRI Secretary, shall present to the General Assemblies reports on activities carried out by
GANHRI, the GANHRI Bureau and its officers since the preceding General Assembly.
Article 50.9
The GANHRI Bureau members work on a voluntary basis and thus do not receive any honoraria,
remuneration or compensation. In exceptional circumstances they may receive reimbursement
for travel costs or actual expenses.
Article 51
Should any question concerning the procedure of GANHRI Bureau arise which is not provided for
by this Statute, the GANHRI Bureau may adopt such procedure as it thinks fit.
SECTION 11: FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION
Article 51
Accounting Year
The financial year shall begin on 1 January and end on 31 December of each year.
SECTION 12: ASSETS OF GANHRI
Article 52
17Assets
The assets of GANHRI comprise and include:
▪ grants obtained from international and national public and semi-public organizations;
▪ donations;
▪ subscriptions;
▪ funds entrusted to it by other organizations, associations, businesses or institutions; and
▪ income and property of any kind received from whatever source.
Article 53
Use of assets
The assets of GANHRI must be applied solely towards promoting the purposes of GANHRI as set
out in Section 3 in line with the Principles as set out in Article 7.
SECTION 13: DISSOLUTION AND LIQUIDATION
Article 54
Dissolution
GANHRI may be dissolved by resolution of GANHRI at a General Assembly. A General Assembly
called for this purpose shall be convened specially. At least one half (1/2) of the voting members
must be present. If this proportion is not present the General Assembly must be reconvened after
an interval of at least two (2) weeks. It can then validly deliberate with whatever numbers of voting
members are present. In any case the dissolution can only be approved by a majority of three
quarters (3/4) of the members present (abstentions do not count).
Article 55
Liquidation
The winding up of GANHRI and the liquidation of its assets shall be carried out by one (1) or more
liquidators appointed by the General Assembly.
The General Assembly must authorize the liquidator or liquidators to transfer the net assets to a
non-profit organization pursuing public interest goals similar to those of GANHRI and benefiting
from tax exemption. Under no circumstances should the assets be returned to the members. Nor
should they use a part or a total of assets for their own benefit.
SECTION 14: RULES OF PROCEDURE
Article 57
Adoption, amendment or revocation
The General Assembly may adopt, amend or revoke rules of procedure, without prejudice to
article 46 q), in relation to the working methods of GANHRI, including General Assemblies and
international conferences, to regulate or clarify any matter contemplated by this Statute.
SECTION 15: AMENDMENT OF STATUTE
Article 58
18This Statute may be amended only by a General Assembly of GANHRI. Where possible,
decisions are made by consensus. Otherwise, a decision to amend this Statute must be taken
by a qualified majority of two thirds (2/3) of the voting members present (abstentions do not
count).
SECTION 16: GOVERNING LANGUAGE
Article 59
The English version of this document is the original and shall prevail in case of any inconsistency
with the versions in the other GANHRI working languages.
____________________________________________________________________________
Signed by:
GANHRI Chairperson
Maryam Abdullah Al Attiyah
19
هذه المقالة متاحة أيضًا بـ: العربية (Arabic)
