Commission Nationale des Droits Humains
CNDH
Summary
The CNDH is Niger's principal external oversight body for law enforcement and corrections. Created under Article 44 of the 2010 Constitution and operationalised by Loi Organique n°2012-44 of 24 August 2012, it has 9 pluralistic commissioners conforming to the Paris Principles. Its NPM mandate (Loi Organique n°2020-02 of 6 May 2020) authorises unannounced visits to all places of deprivation of liberty including police stations and prisons. The CNDH investigates complaints independently but can only recommend discipline; it experienced documented police obstruction in 2020. The July 2023 CNSP coup dissolved the commission.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Mixed (multi-branch) |
|---|---|
| Term length | 5 years |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | No |
| Compel testimony | No |
| Records access | Case-by-case |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Loi Organique n°2012-44 du 24 août 2012 portant composition, organisation, attributions et fonctionnement de la CNDH; amended by Loi Organique n°2020-02 du 6 mai 2020 (NPM designation)
- Citation
- Loi Organique n°2012-44 (2012); Loi Organique n°2020-02 (2020); Constitution du Niger 2010, Art. 44
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
National human rights commission and designated OPCAT National Preventive Mechanism; receives complaints of human rights violations; conducts announced and unannounced visits to police custody facilities, detention centres, and prisons; issues non-binding recommendations to public authorities on human rights compliance. Dissolved by CNSP military junta following July 2023 coup; operational status suspended.