References
The Advisory Council of Jurists (ACJ) provides independent advice to the APF on the interpretation and application of international human rights law to the pressing issues of the region.
The APF’s Forum Council determines the issues that are referred to the ACJ for its consideration. The Terms of Reference, a Background Paper and other supporting information for each issue are prepared for the ACJ by the APF Secretariat.
The ACJ normally meets to consider each reference in conjunction with the APF annual meeting. It presents an Interim Report for consideration by the Forum Council, before completing its Final Report.
The ACJ reports provide a thorough examination of each issue, as well as practical recommendations to assist APF members protect and promote human rights in their own countries and in partnership across the region.
The reports have also brought about broader change. For example, its report on the death penalty (2000) was used by the Fiji Human Rights Commission to abolish the death penalty in the Fiji Penal Code, while its report on terrorism (2004) was used by the New Zealand Court of Appeal in a decision about the continued detention of a person considered a ‘national security risk’.
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
The ACJ will examine domestic laws and policies relating to sexual orientation and gender identity in each of the 17 countries of its member institutions.
Corporate Accountability
A reference on ‘Human Rights, Corporate Accountability and Government Responsibility’ was considered by the ACJ at the 13th Annual Meeting.
Right to Environment
At the 11th Annual Meeting (2006), the Forum Council decided to develop a reference for the Advisory Council of Jurists on the human rights dimension to the right to environment
Right to Education
At the 10th Annual Meeting, the Forum Council agreed to develop a reference for the ACJ on the implementation of economic, social and cultural rights
Torture
The ACJ met at the 10th Annual Meeting (2005) to consider a reference on torture. The reference also asked the ACJ to develop a set of minimum standards for interrogation
Terrorism and the Rule of Law
At the 7th Annual Meeting, the Forum Council proposed that the ACJ consider a reference on terrorism and the rule of law
Trafficking
Following the 6th Annual Meeting (2001), the Forum Council requested the AJC to consider a reference on trafficking
Death Penalty
At the 4th Annual Meeting (1999), the Forum Council requested the ACJ to consider a reference on the death penalty
Child Pornography
At the 4th Annual Meeting (1999), the Forum Council requested the ACJ to consider a reference on the issue of child pornography on the Internet
