The APF provides a wide range of services including training programs, capacity-building projects, professional networks and staff placements, as well as playing a coordinating role at the international and regional level.

Training programs assist APF members in carrying out their core functions of investigating and resolving complaints, reviewing laws and policies and undertaking human rights education programs.

Capacity-building services assist APF member institutions to strengthen their capacities, assist prospective institutions to attain full compliance with the Paris Principles, and assist governments and civil society organisations to establish institutions in compliance with the Paris Principles.

The APF’s professional and thematic focal-point networks enable its members to share information and resources, develop co-operative partnerships and establish ‘best practice’ standards.

At the international and regional level the APF plays an important role in coordinating the participation and collaboration of national human rights institutions in the United Nations, the International Coordinating Committee and other international and regional mechanisms.