APF supports NHRI establishment in the Marshall Islands
Representatives from the APF and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights recently travelled to the Marshall Islands to support the country in establishing an NHRI.
Representatives from the APF and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) recently travelled to Majuro, the capital of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), to support the country in establishing an independent National Human Rights Institution (NHRI).
The visit, which took place from 18-22 February, focused on technical advice and dialogue with government officials and stakeholders to support the establishment of a Paris Principles-compliant NHRI.
Building on previous initiatives, including a recent Human Rights Committee Retreat and a 2017 scoping study by the APF and the Pacific Community’s Human Rights and Social Development division (SPC), the visit aimed to deepen stakeholders’ understanding of NHRI requirements, gain stakeholder support, and chart a clear path toward NHRI establishment.
It was a privilege to meet the many impressive leaders, government officials and activists of the Marshall Islands who are committed to promoting and protecting human rights and strengthening their traditional cultures."
Rosslyn Noonan, APF Expert NHRI Consultant
The RMI has demonstrated its commitment to human rights and good governance, pledging to establish an NHRI by December 2030 as part of the Human Rights 75 campaign and supporting recommendations during the Universal Periodic Review in 2020.
The visiting team, including APF Expert NHRI Consultant Rosslyn Noonan, and OHCHR’s Thomas Hunecke and Diego Valadares, met with government representatives, civil society members, and academics to explore the path forward.
They also met with the RMI’s President Dr. Hilda Heine, with discussions focusing on creating a viable NHRI roadmap.
