Proposed Commonwealth National Human Rights Institution Forum Human Rights Unit Commonwealth Secretariat 28 February 2007

Rationale for the Forum Advance Commonwealth values: advance the Commonwealth’s commitment to the promotion and respect for human rights Similarities: legal structures, shared commitment to Commonwealth values on human rights, good governance and the rule of law. NHRIs from both developed and developing countries can share experiences Mandate and Objective of HRU: falls within the mandate of the Secretariat, with one of the founding objectives of HRU being the creation and strengthening of NHRIs in the Commonwealth

Rationale for the Forum Lack of a formal mechanism for CNHRIs: no single and formal forum currently exists which can effectively ascertain, consolidate and transmit, within the Commonwealth system, the common concerns and views of NHRIs Interaction with Commonwealth Heads of Government: increased access, dialogue and interaction with Commonwealth Heads of Government especially during their meetings (CHOGM)

Rationale for the Forum Various Functions: consider the following functions (non-exhaustive and prescriptive): promote/facilitate exchange of ideas & expertise on improving performance, capacity and independence promote/facilitate partnership between CNHRIs themselves and between CNHRIs and bilateral and international partners facilitate the process towards establishment, where conditions are right, of NHRIs in member countries presently lacking these

Rationale for the Forum allow for collective (consensus-based) expressions of support, encouragement or concern, in relation to particular events and developments in individual CNHRIs coordinate and articulate the development of common positions on issues affecting CNHRIs.

Organisation of the Forum Permanent or Rotating or No Secretariat?: –fully operational secretariat: permanent –sitting chair to host: rotating –regional chapters or coordinators –periodic meetings: CHOGM, HRC, ICC –location & financial implications

Points to Consider Rationale, purpose, objectives and functions of the Forum Membership, accreditation, and criteria for membership Subscription and rules of procedure Organisation of the Forum: secretariat, its structure and form Role of, or relationship with, other organisations or existing fora Role of the Human Rights Unit Way forward post-March 2007: Steering Committee? Meeting on the sidelines of the Kampala CHOGM? Thank you