The OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) organized a Thematic Debate on “The Role of National Human Rights Institutions in the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in the OIC Countries” on 24 May 2022 as part of its 19^th Regular Session, which was held during 22-26 May 2022 at the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The day-long Debate was attended by the Members of IPHRC, representatives of Observer States including their National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), SESRIC and UN Human Rights Office. The main objectives of the Debate were to discuss the progress in establishing NHRIs in OIC Member Countries, their level of compliance with the ‘Paris Principles’, share best practices and exchange ideas on how to enhance the intra-OIC cooperation to strengthen and empower NHRIs in OIC Member Countries to promote and protect human rights.

Mr. Mazhar Hussain, Director of Economic and Social Research Department represented the Centre thereat and made a presentation on “Status of National Human Rights Institutions in OIC Member Countries”. In his presentation, Mr. Hussain informed the participants about the evolution of NHRIs in OIC Member Countries by highlighting their effort to harmonize universal human rights standards and norms with Islamic values. While mentioning the fact that 36 of the 120 NHRIs in the world are in OIC Member Countries, Mr. Hussain also underlined that only 20 of these NHRIs are in full compliance with the ‘Paris Principles’ and have been accorded with “A” status by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI). To be effective and credible in their work to promote and protect human rights, therefore, NHRIs in OIC countries must collaborate with both national and international partners to build and enhance their capacities to comply with internationally agreed standards as stipulated in the ‘Paris Principles’, Mr. Hussain concluded.

During the Thematic Debate, participants also heard detailed presentations from “A” status NHRIs of Qatar, Indonesia and Morocco along with the representative of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The recommendations and interventions made by the participants during this Debate are going to be included in the outcome document of the 19^th Regular Session of IPHRC.

Presentation

• Status of National Human Rights Institutions in OIC Member Countries (English).