Supporting new NHRIs in Central Asia

Exploring how national human rights institutions (NHRIs) can use their unique role and functions to drive long-term change was the focus of a two-day training workshop for newly-established NHRIs in Central Asia.

The APF, in partnership with the National Centre for Human Rights of Kazakhstan, the OHCHR Central Asia Office and the UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub, hosted the course which used a collaborative learning approach to explore the:

• Advisory mandate of NHRIs
• Educational mandate of NHRIs
• Investigative and monitoring mandate of NHRIs
• Engagement of NHRIs with international and regional stakeholders.

Held in Astana, Kazakhstan, from 19-20 April 2017, the workshop included participants from the National Centre for Human Rights of Kazakhstan, as well as from the Ombuds Offices of Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Representatives from the NHRIs of Afghanistan and Mongolia shared their experiences of core NHRI activities, such as complaints handling, human rights monitoring and conducting a national inquiry into systemic violation of human rights.

The program was developed to support and strengthen the NHRIs of Central Asia in their engagement with governments and with regional and international human rights mechanisms.

These needs were first identified at the regional consultation for Central Asian NHRIs, held in November 2016 in Istanbul and convened by UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub and the OHCHR Regional Office of Central Asia.

The workshop was also an opportunity to promote dialogue and build relationships among these NHRIs and their regional and international partners.

Date: 20 April 2017