International & Regional

The APF plays an active role at the international and regional level in the protection and promotion of human rights.

The APF works closely with the United Nations. Its participation in the United Nations’ human rights mechanisms is particularly important given that the Asia Pacific is the only region of the world without any formal inter-governmental human rights mechanism.

Since its establishment in 1996 the APF has contributed to the development of international human rights law, particularly through its participation in international human rights meetings, but also through the work of the Advisory Council of Jurists.

The APF collaborates with national human rights institutions outside of the Asia Pacific through its engagement with the International Coordinating Committee and also regional coordinating committees from Africa, the Americas and Europe

Within the Asia Pacific the APF supports the development of inter-governmental human rights mechanisms, particularly through collaboration with the Regional Working Group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism. The APF also works with other sub-regional organisations including the Pacific Islands Forum.