Thirty-four participants from eight national human rights institutions have successfully completed the new APF online course Understanding NHRIs and the Paris Principles.

Delivered through the award-winning mobile learning platform, EdApp, the course provides an opportunity for new staff members at national human rights institutions (NHRIs) to improve their understanding of the role and function of NHRIs in relation to the Paris Principles.

The course is designed to allow participants to move through the content at their own pace.

In line with the APF's 'digital first' approach in response to COVID19 restrictions, the course was an opportunity to pilot the newly developed APF Community, an innovative online hub for learning, collaboration and resources.

Participants were able to connect with each other in the APF Community, reach out to course facilitators for clarification on key concepts, and share content on relevant topics.

"We are pleased to have had such a positive response to the course, with participants actively engaging with the course content and with each other," APF Manager of Capacity Development Kate Turner-Mann said.

The course ran from Monday 30 November until Friday 18 December 2020, to coincide with Human Rights Day celebrations.

Drawing on participant feedback and lessons learned from the first delivery of the course, an Arabic version will be rolled out to NHRIs in the West Asia region in February 2021.

The course will also be added to the APF Community resource library for all NHRIs to access later in 2021.

Plans for additional APF online courses on key thematic areas, including self-facilitated courses, are also currently underway.