The annual meeting of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions was held from 8-10 March 2022.

More than 150 National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) representatives and partners from around the world recently took part in the 2022 annual meeting of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI).

Held online from 8-10 March, the meeting included the GANHRI Bureau meeting, the General Assembly, and an Interactive Knowledge Exchange.

NHRIs elected Maryam Al-Attiyah of the National Human Rights Committee of Qatar, an APF member institution, as GANHRI Chairperson for a three-year term.

GANHRI members also elected Amina Bouayach of the National Human Rights Council of Morocco as GANHRI Secretary.

As part of the Bureau meeting, each of the regional networks, including the APF, provided an update on their work since the last meeting, with a specific focus on NHRIs under threat.

This year's meeting also included discussions on:

• The role of NHRIs in defending human rights throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Cases of intimidation and reprisals against NHRIs
• The UN General Assembly resolution  on NHRIs – celebrating its adoption in December 2021

The Knowledge Exchange provided an opportunity for NHRIs to share their experiences using digital technologies to monitor and investigate human rights violations during COVID-19.

The interactive session also included discussions on the role of NHRIs in protecting digital rights, including by monitoring civic space and freedoms online, and providing recommendations on legal and policy frameworks.

Date: 28 March 2022