National Commission for Human Rights still non-functional despite lapse of one year.

Byline: Ikram Junaidi

ISLAMABAD -- The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) is still not functional even one year after the expiry of its first term.

The four-year tenure of the chairman and members of the NCHR expired on May 30 last year.

Complying with its international obligations, Pakistan established the NCHR through the Act XVI of 2012 in accordance with the Paris Principles.

The Paris Principles, adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Commission through a resolution in 1992 and later by the UN General Assembly through a resolution in 1993, relate to the status and functioning of national institutions for protection and promotion of human rights.

The National Commission for Human Rights Act, 2012, of the country stipulates a broad and overarching mandate for promotion, protection and fulfillment of human rights, as provided for in the country's Constitution and international treaties.

As an impartial state body, the NCHR works independently and it is directly accountable to the parliament.

The NCHR's financial and performance reports are also directly submitted to the parliament for approval on an annual basis.

The primary functions and powers of the NCHR include, among others, to conduct investigations into allegations of human rights abuse(s), either on petitions filed by individuals or institutions, or through suo motu action; review existing and proposed legislation in relation to human rights principles; carry out research...