National Human Rights Institutions can be powerful vehicles for the promotion of human rights. This dialogue focused on ways in which these mechanisms have utilized their mandates and resources to address issues of discrimination.

Engaging Civil Society

In what ways do National Human Rights Institutions engage civil society in its work on discrimination issues? In what ways does civil society engage Institutions? In what ways can they enhance and provide mutual support to efforts dealing with discrimination?

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) focuses on strategic partnerships with NGOs, civil society groups, and international organizations to create effective programs. These collaborations help address human rights issues, with the SAHRC offering public platforms, such as free event space, to facilitate civil society dialogue. The commission also involves businesses in human rights discussions, aiming to enhance corporate social responsibility and compliance with human rights legislation.

The Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) has shifted its approach to a broader focus on advancing equality and preventing discrimination. Through its Human Rights Knowledge Development, Discrimination Prevention, and Dispute Resolution programs, the CHRC engages civil society through consultations, feedback, and partnerships with NGOs. The commission’s goal is to create a collaborative environment to prevent discriminatory practices and improve human rights understanding.

At the Danish Institute for Human Rights (DIHR), civil society plays an active role in shaping the institution’s work. Through the Equal Treatment Committee, DIHR collaborates with NGOs to create national strategies to combat discrimination. This committee meets regularly and organizes conferences to develop action plans and discuss progress. DIHR emphasizes supporting civil society to empower communities and address discrimination across various sectors.

Mechanisms Available to Citizens and Organizations

What mechanisms are available to citizens, groups and organizations to address discrimination issues in your country?

The HRCA tool is highlighted as an effective resource for NHRIs to engage businesses in addressing discrimination, with translations and publications supporting its use. Ongoing developments include a China-specific version focusing on migrant worker discrimination and a tool for assessing Dalit discrimination in India, alongside a global capacity-building program for NHRIs.

Key Challenges and Success

What are some of the key challenges that National Human Rights Institutions are facing in dealing with discrimination issues? What are some areas of success that Institutions in your country have been able to accomplish?

In Canada, a key challenge is moving from participation to real engagement by federally regulated organizations, despite the success of initiatives like the Employer Advisory Council (EAC), which fosters information sharing and addresses employer challenges in promoting respectful workplaces. The lack of resources poses another challenge, prompting the exploration of innovative solutions like developing a maturity model for human rights to encourage organizations’ commitment. Additionally, the government is focusing on an outreach initiative to strengthen relationships with stakeholders.

In Kenya, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has had notable successes, such as influencing legislative changes to protect against discrimination and resettling women previously evicted due to cultural discrimination. However, the KNCHR faces challenges due to limited support from governmental institutions, which hampers its ability to fully execute its mandate.

The Impact of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs)

National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) play a critical role in addressing discrimination at both the state and community levels. In Nepal, for example, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has been instrumental in advocating against various forms of discrimination, including caste, gender, religion, and ethnicity. The NHRC collaborates with NGOs, civil society organizations (CSOs), and government bodies to create effective strategies and raise awareness. Through advocacy, policy reviews, and educational programs, the NHRC works to eliminate discrimination and improve the implementation of both national and international human rights laws. The NHRC’s strategic objectives include focusing on non-discrimination, especially for marginalized groups such as women, children, and ethnic minorities. Additionally, NHRC’s emphasis on collaboration with civil society organizations ensures that a broad network is mobilized to address human rights violations. This collective effort aims to make the NHRC more accessible and responsive to public needs, enhancing its role as a people-oriented institution committed to ending discrimination.

Through such efforts, NHRIs are positioned as key conveners in promoting equality, leveraging resources, and collaborating across sectors to combat discrimination both within the state and at the community level.