Conceptualizing and Measuring Institutional Variation in National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs). (May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Welch, Ryan M.; DeMeritt, Jacqueline H. R.; Conrad, Courtenay R.
• Is Part Of: Journal of conflict resolution. Volume 65:Number 5(2021)
• Page Start: 1010
• Page End: 1033
• Publication Date: 2021-05
• Subjects: national human rights institutions -- data -- human rights -- content analysis; War and society -- Periodicals; Peace -- Periodicals; Arbitration (International law) -- Periodicals; 327.16
• DOI: 10.1177/0022002720982349
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-0027

Abstract

A wealth of literature argues that domestic institutions can sometimes restrain government repression. In this article, we highlight an institution tasked specifically with protecting and promoting human rights: the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI). Although common international standards exist, NHRIs exhibit substantial variation in their organization, the rights that they protect, the activities they permit, and the manner in which they appoint their members. Scholarship to date has conceptualized and measured NHRIs dichotomously; an NHRI either exists or it does not. We present data that highlights NHRI heterogeneity collected via content analysis of NHRI annual reports, NHRI websites, national constitutions, government legislation, and other sources. Using these data, we show NHRIs that can publish their findings and NHRIs that can punish offenders are each associated with less state torture. These data will allow future researchers to better explore important questions regarding NHRI origins, design, processes, and effectiveness.