European Network of National Human Rights Institutions 2.59

National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) are independent bodies with a constitutional or legal mandate to promote and protect human rights. They are a key element of a strong and effective national, regional and global human rights framework.

The NHRIs of the European region first met in 1994 under the auspices of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg.

The following meeting took place in Copenhagen, where the European Coordinating Group was set up in order to enhance the cooperation with OHCHR, the Council of Europe and Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe/Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR).

A third meeting was, consequently held in context of roundtable with Council of Europe in 2000 in Strasbourg.

The turning point for the formalisation of the European Group of National Human Rights Institutions, was its fourth meeting in Dublin where the members approved the Group’s Rules of Procedure and agreed to meet annually in the margins of GANHRI Annual meeting in Geneva, Switzerland. The European Group of NHRIs recruited a Secretary General to establish a Permanent Secretariat in Brussels in May 2013.

ENNHRI has now membership of 41 NHRIs from across wider Europe, and ENNHRI Secretariat employs the Secretary General, 7 Permanent Staff Members and a Trainee.

ENNHRI’s vision is:
The universal and effective enjoyment of human rights throughout Europe

ENNHRI’s values are:
Respect of international human rights standards
Transparency
Cooperation
Accountability
Participation
Non-discrimination
Independence

ENNHRI's thematic work:
European structures to support human rights
Human rights of persons with disabilities
Human rights of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers
Human rights of older persons in long-term care
Economic and social rights
Counter-terrorism and human rights
Business and human rights