A total of 43 participants from six APF members - Afghanistan, India, Malaysia, the Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines and Thailand - have begun a new online course that examines the unique role and functions of national human rights institutions (NHRIs).

Launched in the lead up to Human Rights Day, 10 December, the short course also explores the key elements of the Paris Principles, which set out the minimum standards required by NHRIs to be considered independent and to operate effectively.

"We are delighted to launch this new course, which will be the first on our newly developed APF Community platform," APF Manager of Capacity Development Kate Turner-Mann said.

The course runs Monday 30 November until 18 December 2020 and includes a learning space (for mobile and desktop), a collaboration space and resource hub.

Ms Turner-Mann said the course was designed at an introductory level and would suit participants who been working within their respective NHRIs for under a year.

In addition to completing the set lessons, participants will be involved in a live 'question and answer' session and contribute to discussions through the online APF Community.

"NHRIs are unique institutions that play a critical role on behalf of individuals and communities in their respective countries," Ms Turner-Mann said.

"This course is an opportunity for staff new to the work of NHRIs to learn, ask questions, share experiences and make connections with each other," she said.

"As we come to the end of a challenging year for NHRIs, it is more important than ever to support and encourage each other in our work to uphold human rights."