6th APF Annual Meeting, 2001

The theme for the APF's 6th Annual Meeting, hosted by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, was "The Role of the Asia Pacific Forum in the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights".

Other issues addressed during the meeting included the role of national institutions in responding to gender issues and HIV-AIDS, and building co-operative relationships with non-government organisations.

A highlight of the meeting was the official launch of the APF video documentary, featuring the work of the National Human Rights Commissions of India, Indonesia and Fiji.

Outcomes of the 6th Annual Meeting included:

Membership

• National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia admitted as full member.

Advisory Council of Jurists

• APF members discussed the recommendations of the ACJ's reports on the death penalty and child pornography on the internet, with APF members and NGOs reporting that they had used the ACJ's conclusions in their work.
• The Forum Council agreed to the development of a reference on the issue of trafficking of women and children.

Management

• The Forum Council approved and adopted a new APF Constitution, along with mission and vision statements and key strategic priorities.
• The National Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka was elected Chairperson of the Forum Council. The New Zealand Human Rights Commission and the National Human Rights Commission of Nepal were elected to the two positions of Deputy Chairpersons.

7th Annual Meeting

• The Forum Council accepted the offer of the National Human Rights Commission of Nepal to host the 7th Annual Meeting.