UN Report: The Independence of National Human Rights Institutions at the Heart of Human Rights Protection

The report of the UN Secretary-General on national human rights institutions (A/HRC/63/67), published on 16 July 2026, was submitted to the Human Rights Council for its 63rd session (7 September–9 October 2026). Covering the period from August 2025 to July 2026, it presents the work of national human rights institutions, their engagement with UN mechanisms, and the support they received to strengthen their independence and effectiveness. As of June 2026, 119 national human rights institutions had been accredited worldwide, including 91 with A status, indicating full compliance with the Paris Principles.

The report highlights the role of national human rights institutions in monitoring human rights, supporting the implementation of States’ international obligations, and following up on recommendations from UN mechanisms. It recommends that States safeguard these institutions’ independence and provide them with a broad mandate, adequate resources and effective investigative powers. It also calls on States to protect their staff and those who cooperate with them from threats and reprisals. The institutions, in turn, are encouraged to strengthen their cooperation with international and regional human rights mechanisms.

The Greek National Commission for Human Rights (GNCHR), Greece’s A-status national human rights institution, monitors developments in human rights, works with international and European mechanisms, and submits evidence-based recommendations to the State. The report’s findings underscore the importance of institutional independence and practical support in enabling national human rights institutions to fulfil their mandates effectively.

The report is available here.