National Human Rights Institutions and the Participation of Victims of Human Rights Abuses

National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) advise public authorities on policies and legislation relevant to human rights while bringing expertise and voices from the ground. As a bridge between civil society and governments, NHRIs establish forums for participation and try to involve people with lived experience of human rights abuses in policy-making. European NHRIs have expressed a need to develop their capacity in this area.

Based on NHRI practice and the principles of active participation recognised in international human rights law, the project will design a guidance to develop European NHRIs’ capacity in this area.

This exciting research project is open to postgraduate human rights students as part of the Human Rights Centre Clinic Module (HU902). If you have any questions, please contact us on humanrightscentreclinic@essex.ac.uk.

The Partner

The European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI) brings together over 40 National Human Rights Institutions across Europe to enhance the promotion and protection of human rights in the region. ENNHRI provides a platform for collaboration and solidarity in addressing human rights challenges and a common voice for NHRIs at the European level. NHRIs are state-mandated bodies, independent of government, with a broad constitutional or legal mandate to promote and protect human rights at the national level. They can take different forms, including Ombudsman institutions, human rights commissions and institutes.