xii INTEGRATING REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS INTO THE WORK OF NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS OF THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION l l Preparation and distribution of a detailed questionnaire seeking information and views on reproductive rights and their integration into the work of NHRIs (Annex 1); Analysis of responses to the questionnaire and preparation of a template for discussion via telephone and in person with staff of surveyed NHRIs working on or otherwise involved in the issue of reproductive rights (Annex 2); l Telephone or in-person discussion with participating institutions; l Further analysis of results, additional communication with respondents to verify information; l Writing up of final report. All seventeen APF member institutions were invited to participate in the study, including the two APF observer institutions. Fifteen out of a possible seventeen NHRIs participated. Several methodological limitations deserve to be flagged at the outset. Perhaps the most important relates to the fact that the study sought only to collect “point-in-time” views, perceptions and impressions, and the data presented below should be read in that light. In addition, while efforts were made to ensure that NHRI leadership signed off on the questionnaire, it is not possible to accurately determine whether the information provided truly reflects the views and experiences of the institution as a whole, as opposed to an individual member or small group of members. Finally significant discrepancies were revealed between written responses to the questionnaire and information secured through follow-up discussions. For example, in their questionnaire responses, very few NHRIs identified lack of knowledge and expertise as a significant obstacle to the integration of reproductive rights. In follow-up discussions, this issue emerged as a major area of concern for all surveyed NHRIs. Structure of the Report The Report is divided into five parts. Part One provides an introduction and overview to the issue of reproductive rights, identifying their relevance to the work of NHRIs. Part Two presents key findings related to the work of NHRIs in the area of reproductive rights. In this sense it provides an overview of the current landscape, not just in relation to activities but also in terms of views and insights. Part Three considers emerging good practices and lessons learned in the area of reproductive rights. These are grouped around the major themes that emerged during the research: awareness raising and education; advice and advocacy, identifying and responding to violations; overcoming cultural and religious resistance; and NHRI work practices. Part Four identifies the challenges and risks that are facing many NHRIs in integrating reproductive rights into their work, as well as the opportunities that are available for moving this important effort forward. Part Five looks to the future: recognising that the current divergences in the understanding of and approaches to reproductive rights preclude advancing a draft strategy without further consultation, this Part instead considers the ways in which NHRIs could be