Non-governmental organisations

Cooperation between national human rights institutions and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) is essential to the effective promotion and protection of human rights.

That's why the APF works closely with NGOs at the international, regional and national and local level.

We also encourage strong partnerships at the national level between our members and civil society organisations that operate in their countries.

The foundation for our partnership with NGOs is the Kandy Program of Action, which was developed at the APF’s Workshop on National Institutions and Non-Governmental Organisations, hosted by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka in July 1999.

The APF has developed productive working relationships with a wide range of NGOs, including Forum Asia, the Asia Pacific Human Rights Network, the Association for the Prevention of Torture and the International Service for Human Rights.

International, regional and country-based NGOs are invited to attend the biennial APF Conference, regional workshops and, where appropriate, other APF activities.