The Indian National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is preparing to defend its accreditation status at a meeting in Geneva this week. The decision, expected to be made by the Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA) of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), will determine whether the NHRC retains its “A status.”
The NHRC’s ratings were put on hold in 2023 due to concerns over its composition procedure, police personnel’s involvement in human rights investigations, and the lack of gender and minority representation.
The meeting, part of the five-year peer review for GANHRI members, will occur on May 1. NHRC Chairperson Justice Arun Kumar Mishra attended last year’s in-person meeting, but this year’s review will be online. The Ministry of External Affairs has contacted countries involved in the review process to present India’s case diplomatically.
This is not the first time the Modi government has faced a possible downgrade in accreditation. India has held its “A ranking” since 1999, except for a deferral in 2016 that was later restored.
The SCA’s submission in March 2023 highlighted concerns about the NHRC’s independence from government interference and the involvement of police officers in investigations.
The NHRC has defended itself, stating that the presence of government officials enhances its effectiveness. However, criticism has been raised regarding the lack of diversity and representation within the NHRC, including gender and minority groups.
The meeting outcome will affect India’s voting rights at the UN Human Rights Council and certain UNGA bodies.
