Ms. Amina Bouayach, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) and Secretary of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), chaired the GANHRI 2023 Annual Conference held on Thursday 16 March 2023, in Geneva.

Within this context, she stressed the importance of a collective commitment to strengthening the capacities and independence of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) to face increasing global challenges.

Ms. Bouayach also stated that strengthening the NHRIs’ independence is of paramount importance to address global challenges allowing them to play their role in developing effective and collective solutions in their work with State institutions, civil society, international organizations, academia and the media.

CNDH Chairperson considered that NHRIs are a warning and vigilance mechanism to protect rights. However, out of 193 UN Member States, only 89 have established such institutions in accordance with the Paris Principles (Status A).

Ms. Bouayach emphasized that GANHRI will continue to work with regional networks, United Nations Programs and other partners to build the capacity of its members and ensure the independence and effectiveness of NHRIs to protect rights and freedoms in line with its strategic plan.

This annual Conference was an opportunity to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 30th anniversary of the Paris Principles. Within this framework, CNDH Chairperson hailed NHRIs achievements that have contributed to the development of international legal doctrine and best practices in the field. Ms. Bouayach also announced that the GANHRI adopted two important projects aiming to reform the statutes to make NHRIs real mechanisms capable of addressing victims' complaints and adopting a working strategy to address emerging human rights issues.

In addition, she highlighted that NHRIs are facing increasing challenges, including the effects of the COVID epidemic, climate change, economic crisis, digital space, the increase of xenophobia, racism and incitement to violence, and the decline of civil actions and the Rule of Law.

Besides, Ms. Bouayach shed light on the importance of NHRIs’ interaction in combating torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, the role of national preventive mechanisms in places of deprivation of liberty and prospects for strengthening cooperation in this field.