GENEVA (27 April 2026) – Attacks against National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) weaken their ability to fulfill their mandates and hinder access to justice and accountability, UN experts* warned today, noting an increase in reported attacks.
“NHRIs in compliance with the Paris Principles play a critical role in the promotion and protection of human rights. In carrying out their mandate, NHRIs’ leadership, members and staff are increasingly subjected to smear campaigns, threats, defamation and on and off-line abuse, often with gendered dimensions targeting women human rights defenders and those working on gender equality and LGBTQ+ issues,” said the experts.
NHRIs engage with victims of human rights violations, cooperating with international and regional human rights mechanisms and speaking out on sensitive or contested issues. In doing so, NHRI staff face similar risks and reprisals to other human rights defenders, particularly when their work challenges State authorities or powerful non-State actors.
“When they are attacked for their work, NHRI leaders and staff from independent institutions should benefit from the protections afforded to human rights defenders under international law and within the human rights defenders framework,” the experts said.
Findings from an upcoming report by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions confirm an escalation in both the scale and nature of threats faced by NHRIs. Administrative obstacles remain widespread, with institutions reporting budgetary constraints, and bureaucratic barriers undermining their independence and effectiveness. These are often compounded by restrictive legal frameworks, legislative gaps and reforms that limit mandates or constrain operations.
More direct forms of intimidation and retaliation are also increasingly reported. Judicial harassment, including arbitrary legal proceedings and unfounded prosecutions, affects many NHRIs globally. Physical threats and violence continue to be reported, while digital threats are becoming more prevalent. Family members of NHRI staff are also targeted, highlighting the extended risks faced by those engaged in human rights work.
These challenges occur within the context of shrinking civic space, including restrictions on freedoms of expression and increased rhetoric against human rights defenders.
“Such threats undermine the national system of checks and balances, contributing to an erosion of the rule of law,” the experts said.
These patterns of intimidation and interference undermine the legitimate work of NHRIs compliant with the Paris Principles, weaken their ability to fulfill their mandates, and ultimately hinder access to justice and accountability for victims of human rights violations. They also reflect a broader trend of reprisals against those who engage with international and regional human rights systems.
Under international human rights law, States have an obligation to respect, protect and fulfill human rights and fundamental freedoms, and to ensure that all individuals and institutions engaged in human rights work can operate safely and effectively. This includes guaranteeing their independence, providing adequate resources, and protecting them from any form of violence, threat, retaliation, discrimination, or arbitrary action resulting from their legitimate activities.
“We urge States to take measures to create and maintain a safe and enabling environment for NHRIs. This includes refraining from acts that undermine their independence, addressing structural and legal barriers and ensuring accountability for violations committed against NHRI staff,” the experts said.
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*The experts:
