Progressing Norm Socialisation: Why Membership Matters. The Impact of the Accreditation Process of the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights

Abstract The International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (ICC) is responsible for accrediting independent, broadly mandated, national human rights institutions (NHRIs). The relevant international standards used to accredit NHRIs are the Paris Principles. In this role, the ICC has facilitated the progressive socialisation of Paris Principles norms. Members define and redefine their collective identity in light of the norms, causing the boundaries of membership to shift. The ICC has evolved from a representative, inclusive community of NHRIs to one that emphasises its regulatory role. This has implications for existing members and new applicants, such as Sweden, which must now demonstrate their compliance with more robustly applied standards. The progression of norm socialisation relies on the ICC's willingness to maintain the legitimacy of the rules through their coherent application and interpretation.