Learning Objectives
Organizing a Nation for Human Rights

After studying this unit, you should be able to:

• Understand the types of bodies outside of parliament that can be set up by the parliament to protect and promote human rights;
  
  
• Be aware of examples of these bodies in other jurisdictions that could be replicated.

Introduction and Overview

This unit examines the significance of national human rights bodies in protecting and promoting human rights. Through diverse examples it illustrates the various bodies that can be set up by parliament or government to safeguard individual and group rights. It explains National Human Rights Institutions and the internationally recognized set of principles used as the basis for their establishment. It also talks about other special commissions including commissions of inquiry that may be set up to address specific human rights violations.