Commission on Human Rights maintains Status ‘A’ accreditation with global body

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) maintained its Status ‘A’ accreditation with the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), indicating that the constitutional body adheres to the Paris Principles.

CHR shared this in a statement on Thursday and said that the Status ‘A’ accreditation means that the commission as a national human rights institution (NHRI) has a “broad mandate; pluralism in membership; broad functions; adequate powers; adequate resources; cooperative methods; and engage with international bodies,” as stated in the Paris Principles.

“A [NHRI] with an A-Status, such as CHR of the Philippines, marks international validation that the said NHRI faithfully complies with the Paris Principles,” CHR said.

“With respect to CHR’s work domestically, being reaccredited as a Status ‘A’ NHRI means that the Philippine government and the public are assured that we continuously exercise our mandate objectively as a watchdog against human rights violations; monitor to government’s compliance with human rights treaties and standards; advisor on how to improve actions and policies of the government in favor of human rights; and an educator to government and public in better understanding and upholding of human rights,” it added.

CHR maintained its accreditation despite fears early on that the commission might lose the Status ‘A’ rating due to the lack of officials.

In August 2022, over a month since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was sworn into office, no new CHR officials were appointed, prompting Executive Director Jacqueline de Guia to take on a caretaker role.

De Guia said back then that while work continues, like training, seminars, and orientations, they need an independent chairperson and commissioners as it is a prerequisite to maintaining its status as an A-accredited organization.

Eventually, on September 27, CHR announced that Marcos had named former assistant Quezon City prosecutor and lawyer Richard Paat Palpal-latoc as the en banc chairperson.

On the same day, it was also announced that former Office of the Ombudsman investigator and prosecutor Beda Epres would be part of CHR as one of its commissioners.

According to CHR, the Status ‘A’ accreditation must be maintained as it would give the country access to “significant participation rights and independent access to UN human rights mechanisms.”

“They are also granted full membership to GANHRI, including the ability to vote and hold governance positions.  NHRIs apply for review and reaccreditation every five years. It is a rigorous process conducted by other NHRIs representing the regions of Africa, Americas, Asia Pacific, and Europe,” CHR said.

“Our Status ‘A’ accreditation status also allows CHR to be recognised as an a credible and authoritative voice before international human rights bodies in reporting the human rights situation in the country, as well as in reviewing government’s laws, policies, and practices,” it added.

gsg/abc