Instituto Nacional de Derechos Humanos

Summary

The INDH is Chile's autonomous national human rights institution established by Ley 20.405 (2009). Its Council (11 members, all civilian) has statutory authority to enter any facility where persons may or may be deprived of liberty—including police stations, Carabineros holding facilities, and prisons—and to request information from public-sector agencies. It issues public annual reports and thematic recommendations but has no disciplinary authority over police or corrections officials. Its governing Council is appointed through a mixed mechanism involving the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, universities, trade unions, and the President, serving 4-year renewable terms. It operates as Chile's Paris Principles–accredited national human rights institution.