NGO and NHRI Information

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Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and national human rights institutions (NHRIs) can be accredited to participate in the Human Rights Council’s sessions as Observers. They can address the Council during interactive discussions and debates thus highlighting human rights situations around the globe.

NHRIs with “A” status accreditation, the GANHRI and regional coordinating bodies of NHRIs (speaking on behalf of its “A” status members) can:

make an oral statement under all substantive agenda items of the Human Rights Council;
participate through video messages in the HRC plenary debates, including during the adoption of the outcome of the UPR of the country by the Council, the interactive dialogue following the presentation of a country mission report by a special procedures mandate holder and panels or annual discussions;
submit documents, which will be issued with UN document symbol;
take separate seating in all sessions.

“A” status NHRIs are entitled to intervene immediately after their country during the interactive dialogue, following the presentation of that country mission report by a special procedure mandate holder and also immediately after the State under review at the adoption of the UPR report in plenary.

NGOs in consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) can:

attend and observe all proceedings of the Council with the exception of the Council deliberations under the Complaints Procedure;
submit written statements to the Human Rights Council;
make oral interventions to the Human Rights Council;
participate in debates, interactive dialogues, panel discussions and informal meetings; and
organize “parallel events” on issues relevant to the work of the Human Rights Council.

See more details at the links on the left panel of this page.

Publication:

Non-governmental organizations

National human rights institutions

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