null Annual General Assembly of the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions

The annual General Assembly of the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI) was held on 18 November 2020, and was organized online due to the coronavirus pandemic.

ENNHRI, which was established in 2013, is the European regional organization of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions comprising and supporting the National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and working with the UN Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN OHCHR). Ombudsman institutions, human rights committees and institutions committed to the promotion and protection of human rights take part in the activities performed by the organization.

ENNHRI Chair Caroline Fennell and Secretary-General Debbie Kohner reported on the achievements and successes of the year 2020, despite the difficult situation caused by the pandemic. During the event, the 2021 operational plan and draft budget were approved. During the General Assembly, the participants had the opportunity to discuss and make comments on the strategic plan for 2022–2025 in small groups.

At the event, senior specialist of the Polish Ombudsman’s Office Anna Chabiera was elected European member of the GANHRI Working Group on Ageing. Also, Executive Director of the Great Britain NHRI Alastair Pringle was elected a new ENNHRI member to GANHRI Sub-committee on Accreditation with effect from July 2021.

The Office of the Commissioner for Fundamental Rights of Hungary also participated in the event and cast its vote as an ’A status’ human rights institution.