We support National Human Rights Institutions to protect and promote human rights
What we do
Advancing human rights in our region.
We promote the establishment of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in the Asia Pacific and support our members to be as effective as possible.
We do this by providing a comprehensive suite of programs and services, as well as contributing the collective voice of our members to discussion of human rights issues at the regional and international levels.
Our Approach
Building a network of stronger National Human Rights Institutions.
Sharing expertise and taking collective action is essential to advance genuine change on human rights issues. That's why collaboration lies at the heart of our work.
APF members have a shared vision and a shared commitment to drive positive and sustained changes for individuals and communities across the Asia Pacific. We also work closely with a wide range of partners, including key UN agencies and non-governmental organisations.
Many of the APF's activities are designed to support our members so they can be as effective as possible, including:
Thematic training programs to build knowledge and skills that are central to the work of independent NHRIs
Capacity assessments that enable our members to identify practical steps they can take to strengthen their institutions
Specialised programs to meet the needs of individual members or to address a serious human rights issue.
High Level Dialogues to engage newly-appointed Commissioners in a conversation on their responsibilities and their individual and collective goals
Providing legal and policy advice to our members, including supporting our members with the international accreditation process
“As a human rights commission, what we are doing is making sure that the silent voices of those people whose rights are violated are heard.”
Ahmed Tholal, Former Vice Chairperson, Human Rights Commission of the Maldives
Human Rights Issues
We provide the support our members need to be powerful agents for change.
Our members play a critical role in contributing to genuine reforms talking place in different parts of the Asia Pacific region.
Change can take many forms, including removing discrimination in laws and policies, improving the practices of law enforcement and government officials, promoting better ways of doing business, and challenging negative stereotypes about vulnerable groups in the community.
To support this work, we collaborate with a range of partners – civil society organisations, governments and international organisations – to help build communities where the human rights of all people are protected.
Our Impact
Our Impact in 2022-23
We work collaboratively with our members and partners to contribute to long-term, sustainable change. In 2022-23, we:
Launched our new Strategic Plan 2022-27
Strengthened NHRI engagement with regional mechanisms on the human rights impacts of climate change
Co-hosted a Pacific Regional Forum on National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs)
Facilitated the safe relocation of 604 Afghanistan NHRI staff and their families
Published an updated torture prevention guide for NHRIs, fully revised to include gender dimensions
