A Commentary on the Paris Principles on National Human Rights Institutions

The Principles relating to the Status of National Institutions (the Paris Principles) were adopted by National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and endorsed by both the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Commission. Since their adoption, they have become the standards applicable to these institutions with a mandate to promote and protect human rights. This book offers a complete study of the Paris Principles, which includes an appraisal of their establishment, evolution and potential for the future; a comprehensive commentary on each provision; and a practical guide to their interpretation, including the implications they have for the implementation of the competencies of NHRIs. This is the first book to thoroughly analyse the Paris Principles and will be essential reading for a global audience of both practitioners working for NHRIs and the UN as well as human rights scholars.

Foreword; List of abbreviations; Part I. Background: History and Challenges: 1. Introduction, history and context; 2. Challenges; Part II. Commentary Principle by Principle: 3. Competence; 4. Mandate; 5. Pluralism and representativeness; 6. Independence; 7. Working methods and strategy; 8. Quasi-judicial powers; 9. Stakeholders; Part III. Twenty Years Later: Future of Paris Principles: 10. An evaluation of the Paris Principles; Annex I. Principles relating to the status of national institutions (the Paris Principles); Annex II. ICC general observations as at May 2013; Bibliography; Index.

Gauthier de Beco is a Postdoctoral Researcher and Lecturer in the Faculty of Law at the University of Leuven.
Rachel Murray is Professor of International Human Rights Law in the Human Rights Implementation Centre at the Law School, University of Bristol.