Professional development training and resources The APF offers a broad range of training programs to build the professional knowledge, skills and capacity of Commissioners and staff working in our member institutions. We use a blended learning approach to deliver our training, combining online learning with a face-to-face workshop that brings together participants for group discussions and practical activities. Gender considerations are built into our training content and methodology. In 2015–16, we ran blended courses that benefitted all but one of our members, including on monitoring immigration detention and on investigating allegations of torture. We delivered a workshop for the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission, in partnership with the Raoul Wallenberg Institute, on the steps involved in conducting a national inquiry on the rights of people with disabilities. And, as part of the opening of the APF sub-regional office in Qatar, we held a two-day seminar for governments, NGOs and other stakeholders in West Asia on the establishment and role of independent NHRIs. APF professional resources provide clear information and examples of good practice to support staff and Commissioners in their human rights work. In the past year, we published: >> A world-first manual for NHRIs on promoting and protecting human rights in relation to sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics, in partnership with UNDP >> The Torture Prevention Ambassadors Good Practice Report, following the completion of our 18-month project with the Association for the Prevention of Torture >> A video series for NHRIs on promoting and protecting the human rights of women and girls >> A video series on the unique role and functions of NHRIs. Making concrete gains to prevent torture and ill-treatment In 2013, the APF and the Association for the Prevention of Torture began a three-year project to strengthen the capacity of NHRIs in the Asia Pacific to prevent torture and other ill-treatment. Funded by the EU, the project included a series of tailored training programs for APF members and the establishment of a regional network of Torture Prevention Ambassadors. The Torture Prevention Ambassadors project sought to harness the unique mandate of NHRIs and the expertise and commitment of senior NHRI staff to identify what approaches work best in preventing torture and ill treatment in different country situations. A merit-based selection process was used to appoint nine Torture Prevention Ambassadors, representing NHRIs from seven countries across the region: Australia (two), Maldives, Mongolia (two), New Zealand, Philippines, South Korea and Timor Leste. Each Torture Prevention Ambassador was tasked with planning and implementing a project to counter the root causes of torture and ill treatment in their respective countries. 12