Representatives from the NHRIs of India, Iraq, Oman, and Pakistan convened in Bangkok, Thailand, for a three-day workshop to strengthen their understanding of the international accreditation process.

Accreditation is a crucial process for NHRIs, as it assesses their compliance with the Paris Principles, the international standards that ensure their independence, credibility, and effectiveness.

APF members, alongside NHRIs from other regions of the world, undergo regular peer review through the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions' (GANHRI's) Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA) to determine whether they meet these standards.

The workshop, held from 18-20 February, was a key component of the APF Annual Program on Accreditation, which equips NHRIs with the tools and knowledge needed to effectively engage with the accreditation process. The program also includes a two-week online learning module, delivered through the APF Community prior to the in-person session.

The workshop was facilitated by APF Human Rights Defenders Project Officer Fia Hamid-Walker and APF Consultant, former Legal Counsel Greg Heesom.

"By equipping participants with practical knowledge and fostering peer exchange, the program enables them to navigate the accreditation process with confidence and strengthen human rights protections in their respective countries," said Ms Hamid-Walker.

The 2025 workshop welcomed representatives from the European Union, GANHRI and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), to share their insights.

Dr. Audrey Rochelemagne, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Thailand, delivered the opening remarks, reiterating the EU's ongoing support to strengthen the work of NHRIs.

Nikoleta Bitterová, Legal Officer at GANHRI, and Cynthia Radert from OHCHR then provided a comprehensive overview of the accreditation process, covering the structure and composition of the SCA, the application process, the role of the Regional Network Observer and the procedures for deferrals and special reviews.

Through interactive discussions, panel sessions, and practical exercises, workshop participants explored key aspects of accreditation and gained valuable insights from NHRIs that had recently undergone review, including the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka.

The APF is grateful to the European Union for its support through the NHRI.EU Phase 3 Project. We also acknowledge the valuable contributions of our members and international partners, including OHCHR and GANHRI, for their expertise and support during the workshop.