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Current capacity 4.43 / Capacity gap 0.50
Overview & Strengths
253.
Significant progress on international and regional engagement was reported to the CA team through
improved relationships with other Ombudsman offices and international partners, and the regular submission
of shadow reports to international human rights bodies.
“Until the end of 2016, there was no contact with Ombudsperson’s of other CA countries. Now, after
Istanbul, we meet twice a year.” Ombudsman
“We have submitted 6 alternative reports and we are planning to increase this cooperation. We have
an agreement with other Ombuds offices for cooperation. We are also developing relationships with
organisations like Human Rights Watch.” Deputy Ombudsman
254.
The added strength this increased engagement is giving the office is immediately evident. Cross-border issues
can be dealt with through cooperation and collaboration where this was not previously possible. Institutional
developments such as the addition on the NPM mandate are better informed through consultations with
agencies such as Amnesty International and other Ombudspersons. It is exactly this type of engagement
encouraged by the SCA.
“Through exchanges, NHRIs are provided with an opportunity to learn from shared experiences. This
may lead to collectively strengthening each other’s positions and contributing to resolving regional
human rights issues.”
Areas for improvement
255.
The fact that these developments are relatively recent is reflected in the questionnaire responses which
identified engagement with other NHRIs and international human rights organisations and mechanisms as
one of the top areas for improvement. It is clear that the office is on the right path in this regard with active
engagement with the Central Asian Ombudsmen through the CASI-NHRI project and further engagement
with NHRIs is planned once the office becomes a member of GANHRI.
Paris Principles
The Paris Principles and the general observations of the SCA support the importance of the type of
international and regional engagement the Office of the Ombudsman is beginning to entrench into
its strategy. It also highlights an additional potential area of activity:
(d) To contribute to the reports which States are required to submit to United Nations bodies
and committees, and to regional institutions, pursuant to their treaty obligations and, where
necessary, to express an opinion on the subject, with due respect for their independence;
(e) To cooperate with the United Nations and any other organization in the United Nations
system, the regional institutions and the national institutions of other countries that are
competent in the areas of the promotion and protection of human rights;
SCA General observation 1.4
“[E]ffective engagement with the international human rights system may include… monitoring and
promoting the implementation of relevant recommendations originating from the human rights
system”.
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C h a p t e r 7 : S t a k e h o l d e r e n g a g e m e n t a n d p a r t n e r s h i p
Recommendation
256.
The monitoring of recommendations is directly linked to broader oversight mandate of the office in relation
to State implementation of its human rights obligations. The recommendations received from the Universal
Periodic Review, various treaty bodies and any visiting Special Procedures provide an excellent framework
for carrying out this role, and encouraging greater civil society oversight and engagement at the same time.
257.
By disseminating recommendations and tracking progress, the Office of the Ombudsman can adopt a
systematic approach to its oversight role. Furthermore, an effective strategy being adopted by other institutions
is to link recommendations to the SDGs, to generate increased political support for implementation.
258.
This is an area of interest and rapid development globally and there are a number of existing tools and
approaches the Office of the Ombudsman could consider in developing such an approach. Assistance
with identifying and assessing such opportunities can be provided by the CA team and their respective
organisations.
259.
Finally National Human Rights Institutions are unique in many respects. Experience has shown that
sharing knowledge, expertise and experience with others, whether Ombudsman Offices or Human Rights
Commissions, is a most effective way of developing relevant capacity in the promotion and protection of
human rights.
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