Earlier today, over 45 European NHRI representatives gathered online for ENNHRI’s first General Assembly of 2022. Members exchanged on crucial network matters, including supporting the Ukrainian NHRI and the situation of migrants in Europe. It was also marked by a moment of transition, as members bid farewell to the outgoing and welcomed ENNHRI’s new Board and Finance Committee.  

Speaking from ENNHRI’s Brussels office, Lyudmila Denisova, the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, addressed the General Assembly. The Commissioner described the NHRI’s work, challenges and needs for support as it continues to promote and protect human rights in the midst of the conflict. In the following exchange, NHRIs from across Europe expressed their solidarity with the Ukrainian NHRI and Commissioner Denisova.  

Members also talked about the situation facing those seeking refuge from the conflict. They touched on how this differs across Europe, emerging human rights challenges, and NHRIs’ crucial role in ensuring they receive the best possible protection.  

Both exchanges will feed into upcoming ENNHRI Board discussions on these crucial areas of work and potential future network activities linked to them.  

On an important day of transition, the network’s outgoing Board and Finance Committee handed over to new office holders after a three-year term.  Professor Caroline Fennell, who represented the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission for much of its time as ENNHRI Chair, reflected on achievements from this time. Discover some of them here.  

Despite much of their mandate playing out during a global pandemic, ENNHRI’s outgoing Board led the network new heights. ENNHRI wishes to thank both Board and Finance Committee members for their work and continuous commitment in the last three years. 

At the same time, members warmly welcomed ENNHRI’s new Chair, Board, and Finance Committee. Sirpa Rautio, representing the Finnish NHRI, takes over as ENNHRI Chair. All new office holders have a three-year mandate, running until March 2025. See the NHRIs represented on the new Board and Finance Committee, alongside their representatives, on the governance page.