Building stronger National Human Rights Institutions

How we work

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.

Our work is supported by donors who share our commitment to promoting and protecting human rights.

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, Fmr Vice Chairperson, Human Rights Commission of the Maldives

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, such as our Torture Prevention Ambassadors initiative
High Level Dialogues to engage newly-appointed Commissioners in a conversation on their responsibilities and their individual and collective goals.

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