What is the role of the Australian Human Rights Commission in the UPR process?
As with all processes of the UN Human Rights Council, there is a recognised role for national human rights institutions in the UPR process. The Australian Human Rights Commission (the Commission) is recognised as an ‘A status’ national human rights institution, because it operates in full compliance with the Paris Principles relating to the Status and Functions of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights. These principles, established by the General Assembly of the United Nations, set out the minimum standards required by national human rights institutions to fulfil their role effectively.[3] National institutions with ‘A status’ can contribute a 5 page report to the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for inclusion in the ‘stakeholder report’ that is prepared in advance of the country appearance under the UPR. The Commission lodged its report with the UN in July 2010: click here to access. The Commission can also participate in most sessio
