How should national human rights institutions assess ­themselves? This ­report reviews the characteristics of effective national institutions and the ­international standards for their work, set out in the Paris ­Principles. It proposes ­benchmarks, based on these Principles, and suggests how quantitative and qualitative ­indicators can help ­ institutions to improve their performance and measure the impact of their activities. Assessing the Effectiveness of National Human Rights Institutions is a practical tool for use by members and staff of national ­institutions, and organisations and individuals that work with them. Foreword by the UN High Commissionner for Human Rights, Louise ­Arbour. “… an extremely useful tool to national institutions, in ­defining their role and responsibilities and planning and monitoring their activities …” Canadian Human Rights Commission “… a very useful, well argued and well written report.” Mel James, International Policy Executive, The Law Society of England and Wales “… could not have come at a better time. It will serve not only National Institutions but has relevance to other human rights NGOs and community organizations who should be able to use ­impact assessment indicators or tailor ­measuring devices to their own specific situations. It will go a long way in making the work of NHRIs more ­effective.” Zonke Majodina, Deputy Chairperson, South African Human Rights Commission ICHRP 48, chemin du Grand-Montfleury P. O. Box 147, 1290 Versoix Geneva, Switzerland OHCHR Palais des Nations 8-14 Avenue de la Paix 1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland Phone: (+41 (0) 22) 775 3300 Fax: (+41 (0) 22) 775 3303 ichrp@ichrp.org www.ichrp.org Phone: (+41 (0) 22) 917 9283 Fax: (+41 (0) 22) 917 9018 nationalinstitutions@ohchr.org www.ohchr.org