CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCING NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS 11 The Paris Principles identify six main criteria: •• A broad mandate, based on universal human rights standards; •• Autonomy from other State entities; •• Independence guaranteed by statute or constitution; •• Pluralism including through membership and/or effective cooperation; •• Adequate resources; and •• Adequate powers of investigation. A full discussion of each of these six areas can be found in Chapter 10. It should be noted that non-compliance with the Paris Principles does not mean that the UN should refuse to work with an institution: however, non-compliance does signal that activities should be directed towards achieving compliance. 1.3.2 Accreditation and the Paris Principles: introducing the ICC At the International Conference in Tunis in 1993, NHRIs established the International Coordinating Committee of NHRIs (ICC) to coordinate the activities of the NHRI network. In 1998, rules of procedure were developed and its membership was enlarged to 16 members, four from each of the geographical regions. At that same meeting, the ICC resolved to create a process for accrediting institutions. QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE ICC 11 The ICC was established in 1993 to coordinate NHRI network activities. In 1998, rules of procedure were developed for the ICC, and its membership was enlarged to 16 members, with four from each geographical region. 11 The ICC is now incorporated under Swiss law, with a new Statute adopted in 2008 in order to better address the changing environment, including the role of NHRIs in the international human rights system. 11 The ICC has its head office in Geneva. The ICC Statute can be viewed at http://www.nhri.net 11 More than 100 NHRIs have been accredited by the ICC. 11 Since 2007, the ICC has a permanent representative based in Geneva. 11 More information on the ICC, its standards, the accredited NHRIs, and the accreditation process overall can be found in Chapter 10. A full discussion of the Paris Principles as well as the accreditation process and NHRIs is found in Chapter 10 of this Toolkit. In accordance with the Rules of Procedure of the ICC, the Sub-Committee on Accreditation, working under the auspices of the OHCHR, has the mandate to review and analyse accreditation applications forwarded by the ICC Chairperson and to make recommendations to ICC members on the compliance of applicants with the Paris Principles. 11