The present report is submitted pursuant to paragraph 13 of Human Rights Council resolution 51/31, in which the Council requested the Secretary-General to submit a report on the implementation of the resolution that included examples of best practices among national human rights institutions. The Secretary-General outlines the activities of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in support of the establishment and strengthening of national human rights institutions undertaken during the period from August 2023 to July 2024. He highlights the support provided by the United Nations Development Programme to national human rights institutions and the cooperation between those institutions and the international human rights system and describes the support provided by the Office to the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions and its regional networks.
During the reporting period, OHCHR provided technical support and training on
human rights monitoring and investigation in detention facilities to the National Human
Rights Commission of Lebanon.
National human rights institutions are pivotal in promoting and protecting human rights at the national level. In its resolution 51/31, the Human Rights Council reaffirmed the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action and the statement therein on the important and constructive role played by national human rights institutions, in particular their advisory capacity to the competent authorities, and their role in assisting victims to find remedies to human rights violations and in the dissemination of human rights information and education. The Council recognized the important role of national human rights institutions in monitoring, reporting to and advising government bodies and other stakeholders. It also encouraged States to cooperate with their national human rights institutions and to ensure that they can effectively and independently discharge their mandates and functions, including by ensuring the allocation of adequate resources.
During the reporting period, OHCHR provided technical support and training on
human rights monitoring and investigation in detention facilities to the National Human
Rights Commission of Lebanon.
In his vision statement, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights emphasized the need to invest in institutions that supported the rule of law, including national human rights institutions. In his call to action for human rights, the Secretary-General committed to enhancing support for States Members of the United Nations through increased capacity-building efforts for national and regional human rights institutions and mechanisms. These steps are crucial for strengthening the human rights infrastructure and ensuring that national institutions can effectively fulfil their roles.
