National Human Rights Institutions and their Interaction with Civil Society Organizations in Addressing Justice Needs: Synthesis Report of a Multi-Country Case Study

Background

This report provides a summary of findings from case studies conducted in five countries (Armenia, Benin, Burkina Faso, Niger, and the Gambia) on National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), their interactions with each other, and with individuals who experience human rights violations. The research was undertaken as a part of the Human Rights Support Mechanism (HRSM) Learning Agenda focused on identifying and disseminating effective approaches for the protection of human rights in both non-permissive and increasingly oppressive environments.

In this research, the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI), in collaboration with Freedom House, explored how interactions with an NHRI or CSO change the way individuals move through their justice pathways, and whether trust affects an individual’s justice journey. The case studies and synthesis report draw from political science research around democratic backsliding and the role of trust and legitimacy of state institutions.

The theory of change that underlies the design of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded awards rests on the assumption that strengthening the provision of justice through NHRIs in conjunction with CSOs will enhance trust more broadly in the State, further supporting democratic consolidation. This research attempted to isolate variables that impact an individual’s justice journey and look at perceptions and real-life experiences from the perspectives of justice seekers, NHRIs, and the CSOs.

Objectives

This report aims to provide synthesized learning across five countries based on the following questions:

1. How does interaction with an NHRI or CSO change the way individuals move through their justice pathway?
2. Are there different points in an individual’s justice journey that show where trust in the state is increased or decreased?
3. What actionable strategies can NHRIs or CSOs take to strengthen the ability of NHRIs to seek justice for individuals who experience rights violations?

These  studies were made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the American Bar Association (ABA). The contents are the responsibility of PROGRESS and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.

The materials contained in the studies herein represent the opinions of the authors and editors and should not be construed to be those of either the American Bar Association (ABA) or the ABA Rule of Law Initiative unless adopted pursuant to the bylaws of the Association. Nothing contained herein is to be considered as the rendering of legal advice for specific cases, and readers are responsible for obtaining such advice from their own legal counsel. These materials and any forms and agreements herein are intended for educational and informational purposes only.