Empower National Human Rights Institutions to promote and protect fundamental rights, democracy and rule of law in the EU: 2026 - 2028

forthcoming

As the only European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), ENNHRI brings together 49 members across Europe to enhance the promotion and protection of human rights. By strengthening, supporting and connecting NHRIs through mutual learning, capacity building, data collection, policy analysis and awareness raising activities, ENNHRI contributes to protecting and promoting Union values as laid down in the EU Treaties, the EU Charter and international human rights conventions. This proposal encompasses three mutually reinforcing objectives: +More, stronger and more resilient NHRIs. A strong and independent NHRI in compliance with the Paris Principles is an EU indicator for the rule of law, democracy, and human rights in each Member State. ENNHRI’s activities will focus on: support for the establishment and accreditation of NHRIs; strong NHRI regional standards; effective responses when NHRIs come under threat; more resilient NHRIs; and stronger HRD protection mechanisms. +More effective promotion and protection of human rights, rule of law and democracy. NHRIs' role in ensuring fundamental rights compliance in the application of EU law and policy is increasingly recognised. To that end, ENNHRI will seek to strengthen the mandates and functions of NHRIs through the NHRI Academy and Leadership Programme; and provide an evidence base on the national human rights context through its report on the rule of law in the EU, analysis of the implementation of the EU Charter, and work towards the implementation of ECHR. +Stronger and sustainable network. Enabling NHRIs to work together, enhancing information sharing and developing joint visibility actions are crucial to support the networks’ mission. An enhanced regranting programme will enable further peer exchanges and NHRIs' institutional resilience will be strengthened to face an uncertain future.