Text with the focus on words 'human rights'
12 May 2017

ENNHRI calls for the respect of the Paris Principles in the process of selection and appointment of the next Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights

In open letters sent today to the Chair of the Ukrainian Parliament and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, ENNHRI Chair, Lora Vidović, calls for the respect of the Paris Principles in the process of selection and appointment of the next Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights.

The Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights was re-accredited with an A-status in 2014, by the UN Sub-Committee on Accreditation of NHRIs. However, this last review raised concerns that the current rules of selection and appointment may unreasonably exclude meritorious candidates, in conflict with the Paris Principles.

ENNHRI recalls that the Paris Principles require the selection and appointment process to be clear, transparent and participatory and urges all relevant actors to ensure broad consultation and participation of civil society representatives throughout the entire process. It reminds all parties involved that a decision taken solely on the basis of political agreements would risk the independence of, and public confidence in the Commissioner for Human Rights.

Open letters: