Advice
A central focus of the APF is to support the establishment of independent national human rights institutions in the region.
To help achieve this goal, we provide advice to governments and civil society groups on the unique status of national human rights institutions; their roles and functions; their relationship with the government, parliament and civil society; and the international accreditation process.
This can also include technical advice on compliance with the international standards set out in the Paris Principles; operational issues, such as organisational structure, operational procedures and financial resources; and the development of ‘best practice’ models.
The APF has developed guidelines to assist governments and civil society in the process of establishing a national human rights institution.
In a number of cases we provide our advisory services in collaboration with other partners in the region, including the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS).
Vanuatu
The APF was part of a regional delegation that visited Vanuatu in September 2011 to talk with stakeholders about the potential establishment of a national human rights mechanism.
Palau
Following a visit in April 2011, the APF and the Government of Palau have agreed to work together to explore the potential establishment of national human rights institution. Consultations with key stakeholders were held in August 2011.
Nauru
The APF was part of a regional delegation that visited Nauru in November 2009 to provide advice on the potential establishment of a national human rights mechanism.
Papua New Guinea
The APF provided expert advice at a workshop organised by the PNG Government and OHCHR in September 2009 to finalise the legal framework for the proposed national human rights institution.
Representatives from 13 Pacific countries participated in a regional workshop in April 2009 to discuss issues around the establishment of national human rights institutions in their island states.
It followed a Pacific Island human rights consultation organised by the APF in 2004 and a regional workshop on national human rights mechanisms, hosted by the APF and PIFS.
The APF has undertaken two visits - in 2005 and 2008 - to participate in discussions regarding the establishment of a National Commission on Human Rights
The Royal Government of Cambodia and the Cambodian Working Group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism (Cambodian Working Group)
Functions and Operations of Chinese National Institutions on Human Rights Protection; Beijing, Peoples' Republic of China, 4-6 October 2006.
In May 2007, the APF organised and participated in a study tour for Chinese stakeholders working towards the establishment of a NHRI in China.
The APF also attended the Conference of NHRIs hosted by the Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, China University of Political Science and Law; October 2009, Beijing.
Japan
In October 2009, the APF met with members of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, government representatives and civil society groups to discuss draft legislation for a national human rights institution in Japan. Further consultations were held in 2010.
Solomon Islands
A high-level APF delegation visited the Solomon Islands in February 2005 to hold discussions with the Government of the Solomon Islands (including the Prime Minister, Ministers and officials) and NGOs on the proposed establishment of a NHRI.
