Initial accreditation cannot be awarded unless the institution has existed for one year or more. Institutions that are denied full accreditation (“A” status) may reapply at any time. The procedure is the same. However, particular attention will be paid to the areas of noncompliance noted during the initial process. While no institution has yet withdrawn its application for initial accreditation, the current position is that the applicant would be treated as if it had never applied for accreditation and would have no status within the International Coordinating Committee. Periodic reaccreditation. All “A” status NHRIs, as well as all “B” status NHRIs that have not applied for a review of their status, are subject to reaccreditation every five years (see art. 13) to ensure that they maintain and improve their compliance with the Paris Principles. An NHRI that fails to demonstrate its ongoing compliance with the Paris Principles may have its status downgraded (unless it provides evidence to the contrary within 12 months). Institutions must provide documents to support their reaccreditation applications. Unless there are compelling and exceptional circumstances, an NHRI that fails to provide these will be suspended until it does so. A suspended NHRI loses all membership privileges during that period. The membership of an NHRI that does not apply for reaccreditation within one year of being suspended will lapse completely. An NHRI whose membership has lapsed or been downgraded can reapply for membership. Delayed reaccreditation. In exceptional, justifiable circumstances, reaccreditation can be delayed at the request of the applicant institution. For example, the Consultative Commission of France was scheduled for reaccreditation at the time when its enabling legislation was being amended. The process was delayed until the amendments were enacted. Withdrawal of reaccreditation application. While the situation has not yet come up, if an “A” status NHRI were to withdraw its reaccreditation application without justification, it would likely be treated as if it had failed to apply and be suspended. A “B” status NHRI in the same circumstances would likely retain its status. Review. The Chair of the International Coordinating Committee or a member of the Sub-Committee on Accreditation may initiate a review of any “A” status NHRI, if they consider that changed circumstances may affect its compliance with the Paris Principles (e.g., if its enabling legislation has been amended). “A” status NHRIs are required to notify the Chair of any such changes, although a review may also be prompted by information from other sources. A review of an institution’s compliance with the Paris Principles must be completed within 18 months. During the review the NHRI retains its accreditation status. If the NHRI under review fails to provide sufficient documentary evidence within the 18-month period to satisfy the Bureau that it continues to comply with the Paris Principles, its membership will lapse. An NHRI whose membership has lapsed can reapply for membership. 6. Early warning Some of the threats NHRIs may face are: ■■ Financial cuts; ■■ Restrictions on their mandates; ■■ The creation of additional/competing institutions that are more Governmentoriented; ■■ Intimidation and/or threats of death or violence against their members of staff; 48