allows the Commission to make its own decisions based on its mandate and priorities. This is a major achievement towards ZHRC’s fulfilment of its mandate in line with Section 325 (2) of the Constitution which requires the Commission to be given an opportunity to make representations to a parliamentary committee as to the funds to be allocated to it in each financial year. It is commendable that Government is committed to preserving the Commission’s financial independence. 4.3 Global Alliance for National Human Rights Institutions Accreditation On 12 May 2016, ZHRC was accredited, with an ‘A’ rating, by the Global Alliance for National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI). Receiving an ‘A’ status accreditation from this body is an indication of ZHRC’s compliance with the Paris Principles. One of the benefits of the ‘A’ status is that the ZHRC can participate fully in international and regional meetings, holding office and exercising voting rights on all the agenda items of GANHRIs’ meetings. This is important in that Zimbabwe is now part of the global community with a voice in the human rights discourse. In order for GANHRI to grant ZHRC the prestigious honour, principles relating to mandate and competence, autonomy from Government, independence, pluralism, adequacy of resources and adequacy of powers of investigation were considered. ZHRC has made significant accomplishments in terms of capacity building of Commissioners and Secretariat, instituting internal systems being guided by a comprehensive five year Strategic Plan as well as infrastructure procurement and development. The Commission has made progress in clearing the backlog of cases inherited from the Public Protector with Commissioners meeting monthly to consider those cases of complaints brought before it. The Commission continues to consider and sign Memorandum 8 of Understandings (MOUs) with other stakeholders, in particular Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to facilitate an effective referral system for cases and awareness raising to enhance its visibility and awareness of human rights. Some of the Organisations the Commission has signed MOUs with include, Legal Resources Foundation (LRF), Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum, Election Resource Centre (ERC), Zimbabwe Doctors for Human Rights, Habakkuk Trust and Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights). 4.4 Acceptance to the International Ombudsman Institute ZHRC was accepted to the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) at a meeting held in Bangkok, Thailand on 15 November 2016. Established in 1978, IOI is the global organisation for the co-operation of more than 170 independent Ombudsman institutions from more than 90 countries worldwide. The IOI is organised in 6 regional chapters including Africa. ZHRC’s recognition by IOI is a result of its application for consideration by the global body as it deals with cases of abuse of power as well as maladministration by state institutions and officials apart from its general human rights function. This follows the adoption of the Public Protector role by ZHRC as provided for in the Constitution. This means the Commission, in its effort to focus on good governance and capacity building, will now be able to access IOI support in terms of training, research and regional subsidies for projects. 4.5 Official Opening of the Refurbished ZHRC Offices The Commission hosted a ceremony to mark the official opening of its National Head Quarters and Northern Regional Offices at No 144 Samora Machel Avenue, Harare on 27 May 2016. The Guest of Honour for the event Protecting, Promoting and Enforcing Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms