Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions WORK TOGETHER ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü Share information, reports and contacts ü Jointly monitor progress on SOGISC human rights, including in response to recommendations from the UPR, Treaty Bodies, and other human rights mechanisms ü Be courageous Involve NHRI and NGO representatives in each other’s platforms (e.g. internships, training, media) Be open to considering how resources can be shared Jointly create and conduct sensitisation and capacity building workshops Develop tools for documenting human rights violations Identify opportunities for joint interventions, based on the NHRI’s and CSO’s distinct roles Connect CSOs to decision-making processes Enable CSOs to have the opportunity to influence laws and policies that affect LGB, T and I people’s lives NHRIs broker relationships, where necessary, between LGB, T and I communities and decision-makers such as government, and other stakeholders including business, indigenous, or religious leaders and other human rights organisations. In addition, NHRIs in this region collaborate to implement the APF-UNDP Programme of Action and Support on human rights issues for LGBTI people. NHRIs also work internationally, cooperating with and supporting the work of UN bodies and mechanisms. Examples include: • submitting parallel or shadow reports to the Universal Periodic Review, treaty monitoring bodies, or special procedure mechanisms • making statements in relation to those debates • facilitating country visits by UN experts or • monitoring and promoting the implementation of relevant UN recommendations. In 2016, the UN Human Rights Council appointed the first Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Mr Vitit Muntarbhorn is a law professor based in Thailand. This is an important opportunity for NHRIs from this region to engage in dialogue with this Independent Expert to ensure that the human rights challenges faced by LGBT people in this region are addressed in his work. EXAMPLES The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) partnered with NGOs such as Justice for Sisters and SEED to conduct a study on discrimination against the transgender persons based In Kuala Lumpur and Selangor in relation to right to employment, healthcare, education, housing and dignity. In April 2016, the New Zealand Human Rights Commission worked closely with NGOs to facilitate a multi-sector roundtable on so-called ‘sex normalising’ surgeries on intersex infants and children. The Roundtable identified key actions that were included in the Commission’s supplementary submission (www.hrc.co.nz/files/6814/7426/0090/Supplementary_Report_of_NZHRC_for_CRC_73rd_session_NZ.pdf) to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in August 2016. The Commission met with the CRC in Geneva, and relied on inside knowledge and personal stories from intersex people and their families. 22