With social media an essential part of human rights education and advocacy across the Asia Pacific, digital storytelling is a critical tool that NHRIs can utilise to reach different audiences.

The strengths of storytelling - a direct, authentic and accessible way to talk about the real-world impact of human rights issues - make it an ideal resource for NHRIs to start conversations, share new perspectives and encourage people to act.

As part of its commitment to supporting NHRIs with their human rights education and communications functions, the APF will be providing a small grant of AUD $2000 to five NHRIs with representatives in the APF Communications Network to undertake a digital storytelling project.

Members of the APF Communications Network, including the successful grant recipients, will be supported with digital storytelling resources and tools in the APF Community, the APF's online hub for learning, engagement and collaboration.

In 2019, the APF coordinated a digital storytelling small grants program involving representatives from the APF Communications Network. All members of the Network were invited to submit an application to be considered for a grant to promote their NHRI's advocacy and outreach work.

The digital stories produced by the participating NHRIs covered a broad range of themes, including the rights of persons with disabilities in Kazakhstan and Malaysia, the rights of children in Samoa, the rights of older people in Nepal and access to water among herder communities in Mongolia.

These stories were used to enhance the efforts of the NHRIs; for example, in the case of Nepal, the story helped raise public and media attention on a research study of older people in care homes, while in Malaysia it strengthened links between SUHAKAM and disabled persons organisations.

Expressions of interest will be sought from all representatives of the APF Communications Network, with further details on the application process to be available soon.

If your NHRI does not have a representative in the APF Communications Network and you would like to nominate one, or you have any questions about the digital storytelling grants, please contact Amy Janowski, APF Communications and Networking Officer (amyjanowski@asiapacificforum.net)