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International networks
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National Human Rights Institutions (NHRI), such as the Swiss Human Rights Institution (SHRI), do not only exist in Switzerland. These official yet independent human rights institutions are an integral part of the international human rights framework. Their establishment was recommended by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, and the vast majority of states have such institutions. The UN Paris Principles constitute a foundational document for National Human Rights Institutions, defining them as strictly independent institutions with a general mandate to protect all human rights.
To fulfil its mandate in Switzerland, the SHRI is committed to establishing cross-border collaboration between the SHRI and other NHRIs. Together, NHRIs advocate for universal human rights protection at various levels of international cooperation. They are interconnected and supported by regional and global umbrella organisations that coordinate and support their activities. In Europe, the SHRI is part of the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI). On a global level, it participates in the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI). GANHRI supports National Human Rights Institutions in fulfilling their mandate and is responsible for their accreditation in line with the Paris Principles.
European Network of National Human Rights Institutions
ENNHRI provides European NHRIs with a joint voice and a platform for exchange and collaboration. It publishes statements on human rights issues for European bodies such as the Council of Europe. Moreover, it offers capacity-building programmes on various human rights topics. ENNHRI also supports newly established national human rights institutions in their setup and accreditation by GANHRI.
The SHRI became an associate member of ENNHRI in September 2023. Its next step is to achieve full membership status, which it can apply for once accredited by GANHRI. Currently, ENNHRI has more than 40 members.
Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions
On a global level, GANHRI represents the interests of over 110 NHRIs. As a global forum, GANHRI fosters dialogue and collaboration among NHRIs, establishes working groups on globally relevant human rights issues, and coordinates NHRI participation in international bodies.