NHRIs and the Yogyakarta Principles

When: 5 – 7 May 2009

Where: Yogyakarta, Indonesia

The APF and the National Human Rights Commission of Indonesia will host a regional workshop on the role of NHRIs in the implementation and promotion of the Yogyakarta Principles.

The Yogyakarta Principles were developed by an eminent group of international human rights experts, from all regions of the world, to apply international human rights law in relation to sexual orientation and gender identity.

The workshop will discuss the role of NHRIs in promoting the implementation of the Yogyakarta Principles and facilitate exchanges on what work NHRIs have undertaken in relation to promoting and protecting the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.

Participants will include representatives from the national human rights institutions of Australia, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, Palestine, South Korea and Thailand.

Keynote addresses will be provided by Professor Vitit Muntarbhorn (co-chair of the Yogyakarta Experts Group) and Professor Michael O’Flaherty (Rapporteur of the Yogyakarta Experts Group), and expert panel discussions will look at issues of culture, religion, politics and human rights in relation to sexual orientation and gender identity, as well differing experiences across the regions.

A key outcome of the workshop will be a draft policy statement on the issue for consideration of Forum Councillors.

It is envisaged that the policy statement will:

• outline the existing work of APF member institutions on human rights issues relating to sexual orientation and gender identity
• introduce and explain the Yogyakarta Principles and their relevance to the work of national institutions in the region
• outline a possible APF policy statement on human rights in relation to sexual orientation and gender identity, and
• provide options for action by the APF and its member institutions to promote and implement the Yogyakarta Principles, nationally, regionally and internationally.