The APF is pleased to announce that its policy paper, National action on international issues: The roles of NHRIs in relation to extra-territorial human rights cases and situations, is now available in Arabic.

Originally published in English, the Arabic translation is designed to support National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) across West Asia in exploring and responding to extra-territorial human rights cases within their legal mandates.

How can NHRIs address human rights violations beyond their borders? This timely publication provides guidance and practical examples to help NHRIs consider how they can take action on international issues, while working within their existing legal frameworks.

Written by Professor Chris Sidoti, with contributions from APF member NHRIs, the paper examines how institutions across the Asia Pacific have already addressed some of the most pressing human rights challenges.

It outlines five key NHRI functions that can be applied in relation to extra-territorial cases:

• Investigating and resolving human rights violations
• Conducting national inquiries into systemic abuses
• Providing advice and recommendations
• Engaging in international cooperation
• Advancing human rights education

The paper highlights how, under their national laws, many NHRIs have already investigated and taken action on violations that occurred outside their country’s borders - including extreme violence, the Israeli Occupation in Palestine, the military dictatorship in Myanmar, and the impacts of climate change, mining operations, and the treatment of migrant workers.

These examples demonstrate that significant scope exists for more NHRIs to engage with extra-territorial human rights cases and situations. The publication shows how NHRIs can use their established functions to promote and protect human rights at home and beyond, and how this work can strengthen their institutional role and credibility.

The Arabic translation makes this important resource more accessible to NHRIs in West Asia, where interest in and commitment to these issues continues to grow. It forms part of the APF’s broader efforts to provide tailored support to its members and promote regional cooperation on shared human rights priorities.

To access the publication in Arabic or English, click here.