APF members unite to strengthen human rights across the region

Members of the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF) have pledged their collective commitment to strengthening the human rights ecosystem and addressing the region’s most urgent challenges, in a declaration issued at the 28th APF Annual Meeting and Biennial Conference in Delhi, India. 

The Delhi Declaration highlights the need for a unified approach to tackle the human rights impacts of climate change, environmental degradation, rising conflicts, natural and human-induced disasters, and the intersection of business and human rights across the Asia Pacific.

In an age of evolving technologies, the declaration also emphasises the importance of using digital technology and artificial intelligence responsibly to promote inclusive human development and create just societies.

APF members committed to reinvigorating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), calling for “governments and other stakeholders to make national pledges under the ‘Human Rights 75 Initiative’ to bring about concrete changes towards the greater enjoyment of human rights for all.”

They also pledged to support the continued establishment of new NHRIs in the region, strengthen the independence and effectiveness of existing NHRIs in compliance with the Paris Principles, and further strengthen regional human rights mechanisms through capacity-building, sharing of experiences and good practices.

The Annual Meeting, held from 20-21 September, brought together APF members, NHRI observers, civil society organisations, and representatives from the international human rights community, including the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). 

Hosted by the National Human Rights Commission of India, the meeting was inaugurated by India's President, Droupadi Murmu, who emphasised the urgent need to address human rights and environmental concerns.

During the first day’s proceedings on 20 September, APF members addressed business items including the presentation of the APF’s annual performance and gender performance reports, and elections for representative positions.  

Ms Samar Khaled al Haj Hassan, Chairperson of the Jordan National Centre for Human Rights, was elected to the APF Governance Committee, joining current members Mr Doo-Hwan Song, APF Chairperson, Mr Khunan Jargalsaikhan, APF Deputy Chairperson, and Justice Arun Kuma Mishra.

The APF Conference, which took place on 21 September, was held against the backdrop of the 75th anniversary of the UDHR as well as the celebration of 30 years of National Human Rights Institutions and the Paris Principles and the 25^th anniversary of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders. 

The Conference also focused on the role of NHRIs in responding to and mitigating the human rights impacts of climate change – including national, regional and international actions. 

In a video address, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, paid tribute to the work of NHRIs across the Asia Pacific region. 

“National Human Rights Institutions play a frontline role in the protection of human rights at the national level,” he said. 

“I call on governments in the region to support and empower their national institutions and to ensure that they benefit from a legislative basis and environment that respect their independence and act on their recommendations for the people whom you serve,” he said.

The final session provided an opportunity for participants to exchange best practices for addressing human rights affected by environmental harm and climate change. Speakers shared case studies, linked their state's international commitments to national actions, and showcased regional and global experiences.

In closing, the APF membership adopted the Delhi Declaration, pledging their commitment to addressing a range of human rights challenges and fostering a more inclusive, just, and sustainable world.

Date: 22 September 2023