National human rights institutions are institutions which, although established by the State, are supposed to be independent of it. Currently, about 31 countries in Africa have established such institutions. This chapter studies three human rights institutions, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), and the Commission on Human Rights and Good Governance of the United Republic of Tanzania (CHRGG). If established properly and in accordance with the Paris Principles, and if managed by honest and upright persons with integrity, these institutions can make an immense difference in the struggle to promote and protect human rights at municipal level.
The majority of States are wary of national human rights institutions because of what they do in practice. It is common, therefore, to find such institutions starved of the finances they need to carry out their duties. Lifelines have tended to be thrown to them by the various offices of development partners. However, this should not be allowed to become the tradition. The nation should take ownership of these institutions, and hence, have them funded by the local taxpayer. This requires intense lobbying and sensitisation on the part of the State as well as by the people at all levels.
