Beyond affiliate status : extrapolating the participation of National Human Rights Institutions in the workings of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights

Abstract

This study investigates the following questions: (1) What is the rationale behind the participation of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in regional and international human rights mechanisms? (2) What is the role of NHRIs in relation to regional and international human rights mechanisms? (3) What is the role and what could be the role of NHRIs in the work of the African Commission? (4) What are the areas that the NHRIs can work with the African Commission to strengthen the protection of human rights within their jurisdictions and in Africa? (5) What rules should govern the relationship between the African Commission and NHRIs? The study will further contribute to the broader understanding of the role of NHRIs at the regional level, with particular reference to Africa, and how that can benefit the African Commission and Africa in general