Seychelles Human Rights Commission
SHRC
Summary
The Seychelles Human Rights Commission (SHRC) is established by Art. 50 of the Constitution of Seychelles 1993 and the Human Rights Commission Act 2009 (Act 4 of 2009). Commissioners are appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Constitutional Appointments Authority for five-year terms and may be removed only for good cause through a prescribed tribunal procedure. The SHRC investigates complaints of human rights violations by any person acting in a public capacity, including police officers and prison staff. It may visit prisons and detention facilities without prior notice, receive prisoner complaints, and refer findings to the Attorney General. It issues advisory recommendations only — it has no power to impose officer discipline or conduct independent use-of-force investigations. The SHRC applies for accreditation under the Paris Principles and publishes annual reports to the National Assembly.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Executive appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | 5 years |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | No |
| Compel testimony | No |
| Records access | Restricted |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Human Rights Commission Act
- Citation
- Human Rights Commission Act 2009 (Act 4 of 2009); Constitution of the Republic of Seychelles 1993, Art. 50
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
Promotes and protects human rights throughout Seychelles; investigates complaints of human rights violations by state actors including police and prison authorities; may visit prisons and detention facilities; refers serious violations to the Attorney General.