While helping to address human rights issues in Central Asia, UNDP also helps to develop strong and independent National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in the region, which can be powerful agents for change in promoting and protecting human rights.

On 28-29 November 2016, over 50 representatives from Central Asian NHRIs, development experts, civil society activists, and human rights specialists met in Istanbul for a conference to discuss how these institutions could better protect the human rights of the people living in the region. The meeting, convened by UNDP’s Istanbul Regional Hub and the OHCHR Regional Office of Central Asia, resulted in a roadmap for Central Asian NHRIs on improving their accreditation status in line with Paris Principles, enhancing their roles vis-à-vis the government and international human rights mechanisms, as well as in promoting and supporting implementation of SDGs and preventing conflicts and violent extremism.

The conference report contains a detailed summary of each session, including an overview of the lessons learned and best practices. Looking ahead, UNDP as part of the tripartite partnership with the UN Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) will continue providing sub-regional support to NHRIs in Central Asia in line with international standards.