The National Institute of Human Rights (INDH) is an autonomous public law corporation created by Law No. 20,405 aimed at promoting and protecting the human rights of all people who live in Chile, established in the constitutional and legal norms; in the international treaties signed and ratified by Chile and that are in force, as well as those emanating from the general principles of law, recognized by the international community.

Unlike other public institutions, the INDH is not under the authority of the Executive (President of the Republic), Legislative (National Congress) or Judicial (Courts of Justice), and although it is financed with public funds, it is autonomous and Independent.

Higher Direction of the Institute

The Institute is directed by a Council that is in charge of making the most relevant institutional decisions. This Council is made up of 11 people with recognized experience in the field of human rights who are appointed for a period of six years. The members of the Council elect among themselves and by absolute majority a director, who has exclusive dedication and is in charge of the executive direction, management, administration and legal representation of the institution.

In order to guarantee pluralism and diversity in the composition of the Council, its members are elected as follows:

• Two councilors appointed by the President of the Republic, who must be from different regions of the country.
• Two advisors appointed by the Senate.
• Two counselors appointed by the Chamber of Deputies.
• A counselor appointed by the deans of the Faculties of Law of the universities that are members of the Council of Rectors and of autonomous universities,
• Four directors appointed in the manner established by the statutes, by the institutions linked to the defense and promotion of human rights that enjoy legal personality in force, registered in the respective registry that the Institute will keep.

National Advisory Council

The National Consultative Council is a body that provides advice to the INDH Council on all matters within its competence that require, for their proper resolution, the pronouncement of civil society. Social and academic organizations dedicated to the promotion of and defense of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

An internal regulation, approved by two thirds of the Council, establishes its integration and determines the cases and the way in which said advice is provided.