The APF has met with the National Human Rights Commission of Nepal (NHRC) to discuss an upcoming Capacity Assessment with the institution.

The assessment, which will take place in Nepal from 26 February to 8 March 2024, will be facilitated by the APF, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

The purpose of a Capacity Assessment (CA) is to provide an analysis of the current strengths and capacity gaps of a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) and recommend strategic priorities and actions to support it to fulfil its human rights mandate in line with the Paris Principles.

The NHRC was re-accredited as an A-status NHRI with the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) in October 2023.

In preparation for the CA, an introductory virtual meeting was held on 4 December 2023, providing a platform for discussions between the APF and the NHRC regarding the partnership, methodology, and timeline for the assessment.

An in-country preparatory visit is also scheduled to take place from 29 January to 2 February 2024. Led by Ms Pip Dargan, Principal Adviser, APF Leadership Services, and APF consultant Ms Rosslyn Noonan, the team will brief NHRC leaders and draft the initial program for the assessment visit. Additionally, the team will meet with stakeholders, discuss translation needs, and provide a timeline briefing to the UN Country Team.

The APF-UNDP-OHCHR Capacity Assessment program is designed to enhance the capacity of NHRIs in protecting and promoting human rights at the national level. The program, involving structured self-evaluation led by external facilitators, assesses current capacities and formulates strategies to address capacity gaps in key areas.

The CA team for Nepal will include Ms Pip Dargan and Ms Rosslyn Noonan, along with Mr Ahmed Shahid, Acting Manager of Capacity Development at the APF, Mr. Simone Boneschi, UNDP Programme Specialist in Human Rights and Rule of Law, and Mr. Johnny Baryougar White, Human Rights Officer, National Institutions and Regional Mechanisms Section, OHCHR.

Over the past 12 months, the APF, in collaboration with UNDP and OHCHR, has facilitated Capacity Assessments with the NHRIs of Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. The upcoming CA in Nepal reflects continued efforts to strengthen NHRIs in the Asia Pacific region.

Date: 19 January 2024