GNCHR participation in the GANHRI Annual Meeting 2026

GNCHR participation in the GANHRI Annual Meeting 2026 and Presentations at the GANHRI Knowledge Exchange Session on People on the Move and at the Annual Conference on the Role of National Human Rights Institutions in Promoting and Protecting Human Rights in the Digital Space

The Greek National Commission for Human Rights (GNCHR) participated in the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) Annual Meeting 2026, held in Geneva (30 March-1 April 2026), bringing together National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) from around the world. The meeting served as an important platform for dialogue and exchange on current challenges in the promotion and protection of human rights.

Within the framework of the sessions, Mr Yannis Ioannidis, First Vice-President of GNCHR, delivered a presentation at the GANHRI Knowledge Exchange Session on People on the Move, presenting the work and good practices of GNCHR in this field, with reference, inter alia, to the Recording Mechanism of Informal Forced Returns, as well as to GNCHR’s recent statements and interventions in this area. The Knowledge Exchange Session provided a dynamic platform for the exchange of experiences and good practices regarding the protection of the rights of refugees and migrants. Particular emphasis was placed on the challenges faced by NHRIs in monitoring and safeguarding the rights of these groups. At the same time, opportunities for strengthening cooperation and alignment with international and European human rights standards were highlighted.

Furthermore, Dr. Christos Tsevas, Human Rights Advisor at GNCHR, delivered a presentation at the GANHRI Annual Conference 2026 (1 April 2026) entitled “The Role of National Human Rights Institutions in Promoting and Protecting Human Rights in the Digital Space”, where he highlighted GNCHR’s work and good practices, its cooperation with other authorities and stakeholders in Greece, as well as its experience from the consultation process on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, and its participation in the Working Group on Artificial Intelligence of the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI). The Conference provided a platform for the exchange of views on how digital technologies affect the enjoyment of human rights, as well as on emerging challenges and opportunities, in line with international human rights standards. Particular emphasis was placed on issues related to artificial intelligence, data processing, and the need to strengthen accountability and transparency in the digital environment.

The Outcome Statement of the Conference (EN), adopted unanimously by participants, reaffirms that international human rights law applies fully in the digital sphere and calls on States to adopt comprehensive legal and policy frameworks addressing the human rights implications of digital technologies. It commits NHRIs to: 

• Strengthen monitoring and reporting on the human rights implications of digital technologies. 
• Provide independent expert advice on legislation and regulatory frameworks relating to digital technologies and AI. 
• Advocate for legal and institutional frameworks that place human rights at the centre of digital governance. 
• Enhance institutional capacity to assess and respond to AI and other emerging technologies. 
• Deepen cooperation through GANHRI and regional networks to share experiences and strengthen collective capacity. 

The Outcome Statement also calls on partners including OHCHR, UNDP, the European Union and regional organisations to support NHRIs in implementing these commitments. 

 

GNCHR also participated in the ENNHRI meeting in 30 March 2026 and in several side events, including “Measuring Human Rights Outcomes: Data for Priority-Setting and Impact”, “Enhancing United Nations Collaboration with NHRIs in the Digital Space”, “Monitoring the Right to a Healthy Environment: a Tool for NHRIs”, and “Advancing Human Rights in the Digital Age: from Principles to Practice”, further strengthening its contribution to international discussions.

GNCHR’s participation highlighted its active role at the international level and its commitment to promoting and protecting human rights in an increasingly evolving digital landscape.

For more information:

https://ganhri.org/event/ganhri-2026-annual-meeting/

https://ganhri.org/ganhri-brings-together-national-human-rights-institutions-in-geneva-for-its-2026-annual-meeting/
https://ganhri.org/nhris-take-on-digital-challenges-to-protect-human-rights/

 

GNCHR 1st Vice President Giannis Ioannidis:

 

 

Dr. Christos Tsevas, Human Rights Advisor at GNCHR: