07/03/2014 Equality and Non-Discrimination
PACE’s Equal Opportunities Committee has spelled out a series of ways that parliaments and national human rights institutions (NHRIs) can work together better, particularly on equality and non-discrimination issues.
Approving a report by Katherine Zappone (Ireland, UEL), the committee said national parliaments should seek advice on new laws from NHRIs, utilise their reports, and invite them to submit evidence. Parliaments could also hold annual debates on the situation of human rights in the country based on these bodies’ evaluations.
The committee stressed the essential role of national parliaments in protecting NHRIs, by guaranteeing their independence and an adequate level of funding. According to the rapporteur, an efficient cooperation between Parliaments and NHRIs can enhance the effective implementation of human rights standards.