In February 2009, the Equality and Human Rights Commission received formal notification of accreditation from the United Nations (UN) as a National Human Rights Institute (NHRI).
This means that the Commission joins a growing group of human rights institutions across the globe tasked with monitoring and promoting human rights. NHRI status gives the Commission the opportunity to contribute to international law, policy, debate and understanding about human rights. The Commission can now participate fully in the Human Rights Council of the UN and will be able to make both written and oral interventions.