ISLAMABAD: In a significant milestone for Pakistan’s human rights advocacy, Chairperson of the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) Rabiya Javeri Agha has been elected to the Bureau of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI).

A statement issued by the NCHR said that this marked Pakistan’s first-ever representation in the executive body of the world’s largest UN-linked network of national human rights institutions. Last year, Pakistan’s NCHR achieved A-status accreditation from GANHRI, affirming its full compliance with the UN Paris Principles.

“This status strengthened NCHR’s independence, credibility, and influence, granting it a direct voice at the UN Human Rights Council and treaty bodies. It also enhanced NCHR’s ability to hold the state accountable, advocate for legal reforms, and build international partnerships.”

The chairperson NCHR’s election to the GANHRI Bureau further enhances Pakistan’s role in shaping global human rights policies. As a bureau member, she will play a key role in NHRI accreditations, policy development and UN human rights discussions - further elevating Pakistan’s standing in international human rights diplomacy.

The Bureau serves as its executive committee, comprising 16 members from Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe. It is responsible for implementing General Assembly resolutions, overseeing GANHRI’s programmes, monitoring finances and making decisions on NHRI accreditations.

The statement said Ms Agha’s appointment was a historical achievement for Pakistan as it would ensure that Pakistan and the Global South’s human rights concerns were represented at international forums, including the UN.

This will further solidify NCHR’s credibility as an independent human rights institution and enhance Pakistan’s role in shaping global policies. It will also open up new avenues for collaboration with UN bodies, donor agencies, and human rights organisations, strengthening institutional reforms and advancing the protection of fundamental rights at home.

Published in Dawn, March 12th, 2025