Independent review, member feedback finds APF 'on track'

An independent review of the APF has found the organisation is effective, well-managed and that its fundamental purpose – the establishment and strengthening of national human rights institutions – remains highly relevant for the region.

The review, conducted in 2010 on behalf of three government donor agencies from New Zealand, Australia and Sweden, assessed how well the APF had delivered on its mandate and provided recommendations to enhance the relationship between the APF and donors.

It found that the APF’s strategic objectives continue to be relevant, important and meet the needs of member institutions.

It also reflected positively on the quality and responsiveness of the APF’s training, advisory and communication services, as well as the strategic partnerships that the APF had developed with other leading regional and international organisations.

The review found that APF programs and services had bolstered the capacity of member institutions to address gender-related issues in their work and to focus on the rights of the most disadvantaged communities.

In undertaking its work, the review noted that delivering programs through the APF is much more cost-effective than trying to deliver the same programs through other channels or sources.

The review also highlighted areas where the APF could further develop its work, such as broadening the pool of APF trainers, strengthening its sub-regional presence and more closely linking the studies undertaken by the Advisory Council of Jurists (ACJ) to the needs of member institutions.

To ensure it continues to be relevant and effective, the APF has developed a rigorous set of indicators to evaluate progress against five draft strategic objectives:

• Enhance member’s institutional capacity to promote and protect human rights
• Enhance member’s communication, cooperation and engagement
• Promote compliance with the Paris Principles
• Engage with regional and international human rights mechanisms
• Effective, efficient and strategic management of the APF

In the lead-up to the 15th Annual Meeting, held in Bali, Indonesia from 3-5 August 2010, a detailed questionnaire was distributed to all member institutions to assess how well the APF had delivered on these objectives during the previous year.

Feedback from member institutions found the APF was “on track” in delivering the majority of its programs and activities.

In particular, member institutions highlighted the value and benefit of the APF’s training and capacity building programs, advice and support regarding accreditation and compliance with the Paris Principles, and its advocacy and influence at the regional and international level.

However, members felt there was “more work needed” to generate greater cooperation between member institutions and to more effectively align ACJ references with their domestic work and priorities.

A one-page summary of the APF's 2009-10 Performance is available online, along with a detailed breakdown and assessment of each strategic objective: see APF 15: Day 1 Meeting Papers (pages 15-67).

The independent review of the APF is also available online: see APF 15: Day 2 Meeting Papers (Annex 6).