São Tomé and Príncipe

The Intersectoral Commission of Human Rights is Sao Tome's standing national mechanism. It coordinates and facilitates reporting and follow-up in relation to UN Special Procedures, UN Treaty Bodies, and the Universal Periodic Review, as well as to regional human rights mechanisms. Through these functions, the mechanism ensures that international human rights obligations are integrated into national processes and that recommendations are followed up in collaboration with relevant ministries, institutions, and stakeholders.

INSTITUTIONAL SETUP

The Intersectoral Commission of Human Rights was established by a Ministerial decree no 31/2020 of 28 December 2020.

Composition

The Commission has one focal point and one alternate from the following entities as part of its structure:

• National Assembly
• Foreign Affairs
• Justice and Human Rights
• Economy and Finance
• Education
• Health
• Social Affairs
• Youth
• Regional Governments
• Public Prosecution Office

Designated civil society organizations have a focal point and alternate in the Commission.

Secretariat

There is no dedicated secretariat.

**MANDATE **

The national mechanism is responsible for:

• Reporting to UN Human Rights Mechanisms, including Treaty Bodies and the Universal Periodic Review.
• Responding to individual complaints from Treaty Bodies and communications from UN Special Procedures, including hosting visits.
• Implementing recommendations from human rights mechanisms, including contributing to legislative changes.
• Providing human rights education and training.
• Conducting advocacy.
• Reporting and following up on other processes, such as the 2030 Agenda (SDGs).

The Intersectoral Commission engages with the UN and regional human rights mechanisms.

COORDINATION

Meetings are held when specific issues arise. Locations have included the Institute for Promotion of Equity, Gender Equity, and the Ministry of Justice, Public Administration, and Human Rights. Participants typically include representatives from all ministries and members of civil society.

**Communication channels **

The NMIRF maintains communication channels with the National Statistics Office, engages with Parliament for reporting and follow-up which has a focal point sitting in the Commission, and communicates with the Judiciary regarding reporting and implementation of recommendations.

CONSULTATION

The NMIRF convenes consultations and dialogues with key non-governmental stakeholders to obtain the required information.

São Tomé and Príncipe has a Cabinet of Human Rights under the Ministry of Justice, Public Administration, and Human Rights, responsible for:

Promoting policies on citizen rights and civic duties Enforcing international and regional human rights treaties Developing and monitoring the National Human Rights Plan Collaborating with public, private, and international entities Monitoring human rights implementation and progress Advising on government legislation and policies related to human rights Preparing reports for international and regional human rights mechanisms

The Cabinet does not have sufficient resources, with only a Director and one secretary to fully perform its mandate.

Ms. Georgina Pereira da Veiga Rodrigues, Director of Cabinet Cabinet of Human Rights – Ministry of Justice, Public Administration and Human Rights.