HE President of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), Chairperson of Qatar National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah participated in the High-level panel titled "The role of Ombudsman and mediator institutions in the promotion and protection of human rights, good governance and the rule of law," which was held at the United Nations headquarters in New York. During Her Excellency's speech at the panel convened under the auspices of the United Nations, Maryam Al Attiyah emphasized that the meeting lies at the heart of the work of Ombudsman and mediator institutions in promoting human rights. HE the President of GANHRI referred to GANHRI's mission statement, which seeks to unify, strengthen, and support national human rights institutions (NHRIs) to operate in line with the Paris Principles, in addition to leading the efforts to promote and protect human rights. Al Attiyah underscored the intersection between GANHRI's mission and the significant role t hat Ombudsman and mediator institutions play in its implementation, especially given their common goal of protecting and promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms. Furthermore, HE the President of GANHRI highlighted that GANHRI functions as a platform for its members to exchange experiences and set priorities in order to maintain strong and independent NHRIs, in coordination with GANHRI four regional networks across the world. Al Attiyah commended NHRIs' vital role in promoting human rights within their regions, noting GANHRI's important role in supporting its members by building trust with partners and the international community. She added that the United Nations recognized NHRIs' crucial role when it adopted the Paris Principles and called on all countries to establish strong and effective NHRIs. Her Excellency said that the Paris Principles serve as the guiding framework for NHRIs' work, adding that the United Nations General Assembly, the Human Rights Council, and other UN bodies and forums have recognized and welcomed NHRIs' contributions nationally, regionally, and globally, thus, extending a helping hand to NHRIs. Consequently, having independent NHRIs that operate in line with the Paris Principles has become one of the indicators of a country's level of progress, with Sustainable Development Goal 16 on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, being a manifestation of that. HE the President of GANHRI explained that the Paris Principles set out the requirements to establish and operate NHRIs, however, they do not prescribe a specific model or structure for them. As such, countries have the discretion to choose the most appropriate framework based on their specific needs nationally, something that gives birth to various forms of NHRIs, with some being set up as commissions, others national committees, while others are Ombudsman institutions. The high-level panel session provided an opportunity for participants to exchange experiences and consider best practices and o ngoing challenges through addressing several guiding questions concerning the coherence of establishing and/or enhancing Ombudsman and mediator institutions' independence and autonomy with the Paris and Venice Principles. Furthermore, discussions centered on the steps taken to grant Ombudsman and mediator institutions the necessary constitutional and legislative frameworks, as well as the required financial and administrative independence and stability. Source: Qatar News Agency