Legal framework

The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) was established by Law 2667/1998 (A’ 281) as the independent advisory body to the State, aligned with the Paris Principles adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in Resolution 48/134 on “National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights” (NHRIs) of December 20, 1993 and constitutes the national institution for the protection and promotion of human rights in the country.

By Articles 10 to 29 of Law No. 4780/2021 (A’ 30), the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) was strengthened and reorganized for more effective protection of human rights.The NCHR was granted legal personality, functional independence, and administrative and financial autonomy. Moreover, its composition was amended to ensure the broadest possible coverage of human rights issues, as well as to guarantee representativeness and functionality.

Presidential Decree 74/2023, titled “Regulations of the National Commission for Human Rights” (A’ 74), established the organization of the NCHR, specifying the structure, designation, and allocation of positions within its individual organizational units.

Responsibilities

The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) is responsible for:

1. continuously monitoring developments in human rights protection, providing ongoing updates, and promoting relevant research,
2. exchanging experiences at international level with competent international organizations such as the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the OSCE, as well as with peer Commissions and Non-Governmental Organizations in other countries.
3. formulating policy proposals on human rights issues.