National human rights institutions share experiences at Commonwealth forum

An increasing number of Commonwealth countries are establishing Human Rights Commissions which play a key role in delivering rights for their populations. Representatives from many of these new bodies, who stand to learn from each other, will attend a meeting to be held in Nairobi, Kenya, on 20 October 2008, where they will share experiences and good practices.

This is the second ever meeting of the Commonwealth Forum of National Human Rights Institutions and is taking place in the wings of the ninth international conference of the International Coordination Committee of the National Institutions Unit of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Together with the United Nations, Rights and Democracy, and the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, the Forum will also look at the role of national institutions in the new United Nations’ Universal Periodic Review.

This review will - for the first time - explore the human rights situations in all UN member countries, regardless of size or wealth. It will allow human rights records of these countries - including all 53 members of the Commonwealth - to be reviewed every four years.

Dr Purna Sen, Head of Human Rights at the Commonwealth Secretariat, said: “These institutions are important bodies in the promotion and protection of human rights for Commonwealth citizens. They have a vital role to play in this universal review and beyond.”

Participants will also discuss preparations for next year’s Forum to be held in Trinidad and Tobago just before the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

Secretariat Links:

• Country Profile: Kenya
• Human Rights