Statutory Bodies & Ombudspersons
These systems include a number of human rights commissions and representative officials to protect and promote human rights in Pakistan. Often structured within ministries, statutory bodies include the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW),
National Commission on the Rights of the Child (NCRC), National Commission of Human Rights in Pakistan (NCHR), among other integral institutions that make up the human rights governance framework in Pakistan.
NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
Complying with its international obligations, Pakistan established a National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) through the Act XVI of 2012 in accordance with the Paris Principles. The National Commission for Human Rights Act, 2012 stipulates a broad and overarching mandate for the promotion, protection and fulfilment of human rights, as provided for in Pakistan’s Constitution and international
treaties. As an impartial state body, the NCHR works independently of the Government and is directly accountable to the Parliament of Pakistan. The NCHR’s financial and performance reports are also directly
presented to the Parliament for approval on an annual basis.
NATIONAL COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) came into existence through a Presidential Ordinance and was established by the NCSW Act, 2012 as a financially and an
administratively autonomous statutory body. It is an outcome of the national and international commitments of the Government of Pakistan like the Beijing Declaration
and the Platform for Action, 1995; and the National Plan of Action (NPA) for Women, 1998. The basic role of NCSW is to examine and review laws, policies, programmes and
monitor the implementation of laws for the protection and empowerment of women, and to facilitate the government in the implementation of international instruments and
obligations.
NATIONAL COMMISSION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD
The National Commission on the Rights of the Child (NCRC) was established through the enactment of the National Commission on the Rights of the Child Act, 2017. As an independent state body, the Commission is to examine and review any law and policy related to the protection of child rights, to inquire into violation of child rights, to raise awareness on child rights and of the safeguards which exist for the protection of these rights, and to facilitate the government in the implementation of international instruments and obligations. The Commission is incredibly unique and inclusive in that it includes two children as its Members.
OMBUDSPERSON
An Ombudsperson is an official who is charged with representing the interests of the public by investigating and addressing complaints of maladministration or a violation of rights.
In Pakistan the following Offices of the Ombudspersons exist: