Geneva, March 19 (QNA) - The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) retained its 'A' status of accreditation with the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI)'s Subcommittee on Accreditation (SCA) for the third consecutive term.

Under the renewal of the accreditation, the NHRC continues to maintain the highest status classification that can be granted to it from 2010 until 2025, after which it will be subjected to re-accreditation according to its compliance with the Paris Principles.

HE Chairperson of NHRC Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah hailed in a press statement the NHRC's certificate for the third time in a row as a clear indication that it is on the right path towards protecting and promoting human rights.

Her Excellency noted that the independence of the NHRC, especially with regard to financial and administrative independence, was a fundamental reason to remain atop the GANHRI accreditation, in addition to issuing annual and special reports that are publicly announced and uploaded to the NHRC's official website. The NHRC's recommendations draw the interest of and are always discussed by relevant government ministries, Her Excellency added.

HE Al Attiyah said that the certificate coincided with the GANHRI's General Assembly's adoption of the proposed amendments to its Statute with the aim of enhancing the accuracy and rigor of the accreditation process, which stipulated that all NHRIs accredited with classifications A and B be subject to review, or suspension of the accreditation classification if their circumstances changed in a way that might affect their continued compliance with the Paris Principles. The national institutions that obtained 'B' status are not subjected to re-accreditation or reviews.

Her Excellency pointed out that, according to the approval of the amendments to the GANHRI's articles of association, the institutions classified in status B became obligated to comply with the principles or to raise the level of compliance with the Paris Principles until they are promoted to status A. The SCA was provided with the ability to recommend the cancelation of accreditation of national human rights institutions in case they do not comply with the Paris Principles, Her Excellency said, noting that the strict amendments to the GNAHRI's statutes make its members of the national institutions in a major challenge to maintain their classification.

Fully compliant with the requirements of accreditation and classification, the NHRC has become one of the regional and international pillars in the process of protecting and promoting human rights, thanks to its exemplary expertise and experience, Her Excellency said. These experiences are now considered one of the most important references adopted by many national institutions in the region, to strengthen their expertise in the human rights field.

HE Vice-President of the GANHRI Amina Bouayach affirmed that the NHRC's certificate proves its full compliance with the Paris Principles, including financial and administrative independence which is considered one of the most important principles for national institutions to obtain the GANHRI's highest rating. (QNA)