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

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. In 2026, ENNHRI will undertake the following initiatives per strategic core objective: 1. More, stronger and more resilient NHRIs: ENNHRI will continue to support the establishment of new NHRIs and provide tailored expertise to members undergoing (re)-accreditation. Beyond reactive support when NHRIs are facing threats, a preventive approach will contribute to strengthening NHRIs resilience. Emphasis will be given to reviewing (EU) mandates held by NHRIs, ensuring implementation of strong regional standards and developing a database on the European NHRI landscape. 2. More effective promotion and protection of human rights, rule of law, and democracy: NHRI mandates and functions will be strengthened through in-depth training of NHRI leadership and staff, including the NHRI Academy and Leadership Forum. The regranting programme will be expanded with a study visit and peer exchange dimension. Effective NHRI contributions to regional processes will be strengthened, including through network submissions to the EU rule of law cycle and the EU Charter report. 3. Stronger and sustainable network. With the adoption of its new Strategic Plan, ENNHRI will update the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning framework and conduct a second Gender Audit. Knowledge management approaches will be reinforced, and a new communications strategy will come into existence, with the development of a new ENNHRI website. Members’ participation will be reviewed and supported through a Member Engagement Audit.