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).
Pacific Island States
In April 2009, representatives from 13 Pacific countries met in Apia, Samoa, for a regional workshop on the establishment of NHRIs in the Pacific.
The workshop culminated in the adoption of the Samoa Declaration, which recognised the importance of Pacific Island States taking concrete steps to establish Paris Principles-compliant NHRIs. The Declaration has served as a catalyst for the APF’s Pacific partnerships.
Nauru
The APF visited Nauru at the invitation of the Government in November 2009 to provide advice on the potential establishment of a NHRI.
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 a NHRI. Consultations with key stakeholders were held in August 2011.
Papua New Guinea
The APF provided expert advice at a workshop organised by the Papua New Guinea Government and OHCHR in September 2009 to finalise the legal framework for the proposed NHRI.
Samoa
The APF is assisting the Government of Samoa to extend its Office of the Ombudsman to include human rights functions.
Solomon Islands
The APF visited Solomon Islands at the invitation of Government in January 2012 to discuss the potential establishment of a NHRI. The APF was part of a delegation that also included representatives of OHCHR and PIFS.
Vanuatu
Representatives of the APF, OHCHR and PIFS visited Vanuatu in September 2011 to talk with a broad range of stakeholders about the potential establishment of a NHRI.
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.
