National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) from around the world, including APF members, have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing gender equality and protecting the rights of women and girls at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), held in Geneva from 10–12 March. 

The event brought together NHRIs, UN agencies, civil society organisations, and human rights experts to address challenges, share best practices, and drive meaningful progress on a range of human rights issues.

A key focus was the role of NHRIs in advancing gender equality and strengthening human rights protection for women and girls. The platform provided an opportunity for participants to collaborate on solutions and enhance efforts toward gender equality.

GANHRI Chairperson Ms. Maryam Al Attiyah opened the session with a call to action: "Gender equality is not only a fundamental right but a prerequisite for sustainable and just societies. The time for action is now," she said.

The event also included the GANHRI Bureau Meeting, General Assembly, regional network sessions, and Knowledge Exchange discussions on disability rights and NHRI accreditation, as well as the election of new GANHRI leadership positions. Ms. Amina Bouayach (Morocco) was appointed as Chairperson, and Ms. Alyson Kilpatrick (Northern Ireland) as Secretary. Members expressed deep appreciation to outgoing Chairperson Maryam Al Attiyah for her dedicated leadership and contributions.

During the Annual Meeting, participants held a moment of silence to honour the passing of two dedicated human rights defenders: Raafat Salha, Director of the Gaza Office at the Palestine Independent Commission for Human Rights, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike, and Roseline Odede, the late Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of an Outcome Statement that emphasised the need to advance gender equality, enhance NHRI accountability, and strengthen commitments to human rights protection for women and girls.

APF Governance Committee and Regional Meeting

Prior to the main sessions, the APF Governance Committee and Regional Meeting were held on 9 and 10 March. These meetings were an opportunity for APF members to review progress, discuss GANHRI-related matters, and address regional human rights priorities.

During the GANHRI Annual Meeting, the APF also hosted a side event focused on "National Action on International Issues: The Role of NHRIs in Extra-Territorial Human Rights Cases and Situations." Moderated by APF Chairperson Ms. Samar Haj Hasan, the session focused on how NHRIs can address extra-territorial human rights violations, especially in the Asia Pacific region.

Key issues discussed included conflict, military rule, climate change, migrant workers' rights, and business operations impacting human rights beyond national borders. The session featured insights from Professor Chris Sidoti, who presented a new APF policy paper on NHRI extra-territorial jurisdiction; Mr. Issam Aruri, Commissioner General of the Palestine Independent Commission for Human Rights; and Ms. Pornprapai Ganjanarintr, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand, who shared insights from their respective countries.