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Promoting & Protecting Human Rights

The APF provides the support our members need to be powerful agents for change.

The APF and our member institutions play a critical role in contributing to genuine reforms talking place in different parts of the Asia Pacific region.

Change can take many forms, including removing discrimination in laws and policies, improving the practices of law enforcement and government officials, promoting better ways of doing business, and challenging negative stereotypes about vulnerable groups in the community.

We work with a range of partners – civil society organisations, governments and international organisations – to help build communities where the human rights of all people are protected.

Supporting human rights defenders

Human rights defenders can face grave challenges in the countries in which they work. NHRIs have a critical role to support and protect them.

Rights of women and girls

The rights of women and girls are a priority for national human rights institutions for the simple reason that women’s rights are human rights.

Promoting reproductive rights

When a woman can exercise her reproductive rights, she is better able to enjoy other basic rights and freedoms.

Preventing torture in places of detention

Opening up places of detention to independent monitoring teams is essential because people who are detained rely completely on those who detain them.

Business and human rights

Gaps in governance provide the environment in which harmful practices by companies of all kinds can occur, without adequate sanctions or reparation.

Rights of children

The best interests of the child must be the starting point when any decisions are made that affect his or her life.

Rights of people with disabilities

No matter what our background, we all have the same right to be treated fairly, contribute to our community and make decisions for ourselves.

Rights of indigenous peoples

National human rights institutions across the Asia Pacific region are building relationships with and working alongside indigenous communities.

Rights of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers

As the world becomes increasingly globalised, the treatment of people moving across borders to live and work represents a key human rights challenge.

Rights of older people

Age should be no barrier to enjoying basic human rights. We all have the same right to be treated fairly and to live with dignity.

Respect for sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics

We should all enjoy equal rights and equal protection, no matter who we are or who we love.

Ending the death penalty

The death penalty is cruel, inhuman and degrading and it has no impact on deterring crime.

Defending online freedoms: supporting HRDs against digital threats

Advancing torture prevention: national workshop held with Fiji's NHRI and stakeholders

NHRI Leadership Guide now available in Arabic

APF people profile: Thuy Doan-Smith, Chief Operating Officer

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Image credits

Amman, Jordan - Sirio Carnevalino on AdobeStock