APF People
Joris de Bres, New Zealand Human Rights Commission
July 2010: The energy and committment of community groups is a critical factor in building positive relationships between people of different backgrounds, says the Race Relations Commissioner.
Thuy Doan-Smith, APF Secretariat
June 2010: Donor organisations are crucial partners in the APF’s ongoing work to support and strengthen NHRIs in the region, says the Secretariat’s Development Manager.
Hesti Armiwulan, Indonesian NHRC
May 2010: Cooperation with other national human rights institutions is crucial in developing strategies to protect the rights of migrant workers and address other rights violations, says the Komnas Ham commissioner.
Chandra Ellawala, Sri Lanka HRC
April 2010: The Secretary of Sri Lanka’s human rights commission says it is crucial to build broad understanding and respect for human rights as the country emerges from 26 years of civil conflict.
Ahmad Fahim Hakim, Afghanistan
March 2010: Laying the foundations for peace in a country devastated by decades of conflict remains the driving focus of the AIHRC’s Deputy Chairperson.
Dr Silvia Casale
Our societies are defined by how we deal with the people in our closed institutions, says the former Chairperson of the UN Subcommittee for Prevention of Torture.
Leila de Lima, Philippines CHR
January 2010: The Chairperson of the Philippines’ national human rights body was recognised as ‘Public Servant of the Year’ by the nation’s most popular television network.
Nisreen Zerikat, Jordan NCHR
November 2009: Nisreen, a lawyer, is coordinating a major national project to eradicate torture and ill-treatment in places of detention across Jordan.
Hashimah Nik Jaafar, Malaysia NHRC
October 2009: The Commission’s new Secretary has a history of taking on challenging roles and delivering positive results.
Professor Amara Pongsapich, Thailand NHRC
September 2009: The Commission’s new Chairperson plans to bring a collaborative and analytical approach to her six-year term.
Dr Sebastiao Dias Ximenes, Timor Leste PDHJ
August 2009: Taking a stand for human rights and good governance in Timor Leste does not come without personal challenges, says the country’s first Provedor.
Barbara Bernath, Association for the Prevention of Torture
July 2009: With more than 12 years experience at the APT, Barbara is a passionate advocate of the importance of bringing transparency and external monitoring to places of detention.
Mariyam Azra Ahmed, Maldives HRC
June 2009: Azra has recently returned to the Maldives from an APF-sponsored study visit to meet with Commissioners and staff of the New Zealand Human Rights Commission.
Anarkali Honaryar - Afghanistan IHRC
May 2009: Anarkali, 25, has been named RFE/RL Radio Free Afghanistan Person of the Year, chosen by a panel of more than 30 Afghan journalists, civil society activists and human rights advocates
Kieren Fitzpatrick, APF Secretariat
April 2009: “On top of our regional cooperation, APF members have worked together to drive important developments at the international level that benefit NHRIs around the globe,” says the Director of the APF Secretariat.
