Expert presentation Currently there are 29 NHRIs that have been granted affiliate status and their work is significantly felt. Much has changed since the 2000s when the first NHRIs were given affiliate status. Comparing NRHIs and CSOs and their engagement at the African commission is almost akin to comparing apples and oranges since their working methods are different. NHRIs are governmental institutions and CSOs are non-governmental. Criteria for obtaining observer status or affiliate status are different as below: Affiliate Status (Resolution 370) Observer Status (Resolution 361) Duly established by law Objectives and activities should be in consonance with AU Constitutive Act, African Charter & Maputo Protocol African NHRI or specialised institution NGO working in the field of human rights in Africa Independence guaranteed in law Declare their financial resources Broad mandate Effective functioning Adequately funded/No financial control Accessible to the general public Diverse membership Benefits of observer status versus affiliate status Affiliate Status Observer Status Invitation to sessions Participate in public sessions Participation in deliberations (without Access to non-confidential documents voting rights) Submit agenda proposals Invitation to private sessions Address the African Commission Address the African (sufficient lead time) Commission Submit agenda proposals 13