New York, June 19, 2025 – In a high-level meeting held today at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Ms. Amina Bouayach, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH), in her capacity as President of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), met with the UN Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres, to reaffirm the vital role that National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) play in addressing escalating global challenges and supporting the human rights agenda at both national and international levels.
 

At the meeting, Ms. Bouayach expressed the GANHRI’s appreciation for the Secretary-General’s efforts to promote human rights, considering it a core pillar of the United Nations system. She welcomed the Secretary-General’s Call to Action for Human Rights and the Pact for the Future, describing them as key reference frameworks guiding the work of NHRIs worldwide.

In the same context, Ms. Bouayach emphasized that human rights should not be treated as an afterthought, but upheld as a fundamental priority. She highlighted the critical role of NHRIs, which operate in around 120 countries. These institutions give voice to victims, stakeholders, and citizens, and channel their lived experiences from the ground into national and international decision-making spaces. “NHRIs are essential partners in building a more just and equitable global system,” she affirmed. “We recognize and embrace this role and we are committed to strengthening it and contributing more meaningfully to placing rights at the heart of global priorities once again.”

As part of her advocacy in New York, Ms. Bouayach presented to the Secretary-General a proposal aiming at:

1.    Recognition of the right of official participation of NHRIs in UN meetings in New York, particularly those related to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), and the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), given that NHRIs monitor human rights situations on the ground and are well positioned to provide quality contributions to these UN-level discussions;

2.    Participation of NHRIs in the “UN80” initiative, particularly in light of the current erosion of international legitimacy and rising conflicts. Ms. Bouayach underscored the need to restore balance among the UN’s three pillars: peace and security, development, and human rights, stressing that human rights must be placed at the core of any UN reform.

GANHRI President also highlighted the strong collaboration between GANHRI and the UN system, particularly in Geneva, and shed light on the recognition of GANHRI’s role in several UN resolutions. She welcomed the tripartite partnership between GANHRI, UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and UN Development Program, aiming at strengthening the capacities and effectiveness of NHRIs. This partnership held its annual meeting earlier, just before Ms. Bouayach’s met with the UN Secretary-General.

Ms. Bouayach stated that in these trying times, the GANHRI reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights and calls on the international community to renew its commitment to international human rights standards and principles. As NHRIs, "we count on the United Nations to continue and reinforce its support, ensuring the existence of strong, effective, and independent NHRIs to protect human rights across the world."