In a joint statement released on 19 December 2016, ENNHRI and other global and regional bodies call for support for strong and independent national human rights institutions in the OSCE region and highlight the important role of NHRIs in times when human rights and fundamental freedoms are under threat.

The joint statement follows the expert meeting held in Warsaw on the same topic, on 28 and 29 November 2016. Signatories call upon governments and all relevant actors to safeguard the independence of NHRIs and reiterate their commitment to strengthen NHRIs so that they can address present and future challenges.

Photo: The Polish Commissioner for Human Rights, addressing participants in the expert meeting. (OSCE/Maria Kuchma)