Portugal Hosts III International Seminar of National Mechanisms for Implementation, Reporting and Follow-up (NMIRFs)
On 26 and 27 January, the Portuguese National Human Rights Committee (PNHRC), acting as Portugal’s National Mechanism for Implementation, Reporting and Follow-up (NMIRF), organized the III International Seminar on NMIRFs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Lisbon. The event brought together representatives from 17 States, the United Nations, academia and civil society to advance cooperation in monitoring and implementing human rights commitments.
The opening session featured interventions by the Secretary of State for Cooperation and Foreign Affairs of Portugal, Ms. Ana Isabel Xavier, in her capacity as President of the PNHRC; the Interministerial Delegate for Human Rights of the Kingdom of Morocco, Mr. Mohamed Belkouch; and Mr. Mahamane Cissé-Gouro, Director of the Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
The event followed previous editions held in Marrakesh (2022) and Asunción (2024), continuing a joint initiative led by Morocco, Paraguay and Portugal, members of the Executive Committee of the International Network of NMIRFs. Established following a joint pledge made during the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 2023, the Network marked in Lisbon an important milestone with the adoption of its 2026-2030 Plan of Action, which will guide its future work.
By convening this third international seminar, Portugal reaffirms its unwavering commitment to multilateralism and to the universal promotion of human rights as essential foundations for peace, security and sustainable development. Drawing on over seven decades of active and constructive engagement within the United Nations, Portugal continues to build bridges, foster dialogue and promote cooperation among nations – steadfast in its commitment to advance human rights and strengthen a more inclusive and effective multilateral system.
