The Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF) is the leading regional human rights organisation in the Asia Pacific.

Established in 1996, we are a member-based organisation that supports the establishment and strengthening of national human rights institutions in the region.

What we do

The APF provides a framework for national human rights institutions to work together and cooperate on a regional basis through a wide range of services, including training, capacity building, networks and staff exchanges.

We have a strong record in developing programs that genuinely improve the human rights of individuals and vulnerable groups in the Asia Pacific. For an overview of our work, visit the Issues section.

The APF provides practical and tailored support to its members to assist them to more effectively undertake their own human rights protection, monitoring, promotion and advocacy. The APF also provides support to governments and civil society groups.

Our members

APF members include 15 ‘full members’ that have been established in accordance with the United Nations’ ‘Paris Principles’. The APF also has two ‘associate member’ institutions. APF members represent a diverse range of countries from across the Asia Pacific.

The Forum Council is the APF’s decision-making body, which is made up of senior representatives from each full member institution. The APF Secretariat implements the decisions of the Forum Council and manages the day-to-day operations of the APF.

An easy-to-read and informative e-brochure on the APF is available in English, Simplified Chinese and Arabic from the downloads box in both Word and PDF formats.