Chief Commissioner joins United Nations High Commissioner at GANHRI Annual Meeting 2026

LtoR GANHRI Chairperson, Amina Bouayach, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, Chief Commissioner Alyson Kilpatrick, who also serves as Secretary of GANHRI.

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission played a prominent leadership role in the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) Annual Meeting 2026, taking place from 30 March to 1 April at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

Chief Commissioner Alyson Kilpatrick, who also serves as Secretary of GANHRI, took part in a panel discussion alongside the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, and GANHRI Chairperson, Amina Bouayach. The discussion formed part of the programme of events held during the Annual Meeting, which coincided with the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council.

The 2026 GANHRI Annual Meeting brought together National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) from across the globe and included the GANHRI Bureau meeting, the General Assembly, and Knowledge Exchanges on People on the Move. The meeting was hosted by GANHRI in cooperation with the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR).

As part of the Annual Meeting, GANHRI hosted its Annual Conference on 1 April 2026, focusing on “The role of NHRIs in promoting and protecting human rights in the digital space.” 

The Conference provided a platform for NHRIs to exchange views on how digital technologies are affecting the enjoyment of human rights, and how institutions are responding to emerging challenges and opportunities in line with international human rights law and standards.

During the meeting, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called on National Human Rights Institutions to come together as part of a global alliance to mobilise, influence, uphold, protect, and advance human rights.

The event also included engagement with Chief Commissioners from National Human Rights Institutions across the UK and Ireland, including Chief Commissioners from the Scottish Human Rights Commission, the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, the Equality and Human Rights Commission, and the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.

Notes to Editors

1. The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) held its 2026 Annual Meeting in Geneva from 30 March to 1 April 2026. Further information is available at: GANHRI 2026 Annual Meeting.

2. Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI)Read more about GANHRI here

3. GANHRI is managed by a committee entitled GANHRI Bureau which shall comprise sixteen individuals, including the GANHRI Chairperson and the GANHRI Secretary. They are elected by the General Assembly for a three-year term.